The Woodford County varsity basketball team (Versailles, KY) will host Aiken (Cincinnati, OH) in a home non-conference game today at 7 PM.

Matchup Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
⏰ Time: 7 PM
📍 Location: Woodford County High School

• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Don’t miss the action as Woodford County takes on Aiken in this exciting matchup!

Aiken vs. Woodford County: A Comparative Look at Two Basketball Programs

As the 2024-2025 basketball season heats up, two teams stand out with contrasting records and play styles: Aiken and Woodford County. Here’s a closer examination of their season performances, team stats, and player highlights.

Aiken’s Dominance

Aiken has been nothing short of spectacular this season, maintaining an undefeated record of 17-0 overall. Their performance in the conference has been equally impressive, with a perfect 8-0 record. Whether at home, away, or on neutral ground, Aiken has proven to be a dominant force, showing an unblemished 1.000 win percentage. The team has excelled offensively, scoring an average of 80.6 points per game, with high-scoring outputs in every quarter—19.8 in the first, 21.3 in the second, 20.6 in the third, and 18.1 in the final quarter.

The squad’s offense is led by Jaiden Arnold, who scores 19.9 points per game, making him the team’s primary offensive threat. He also contributes 4.8 assists per game and 0.7 blocks. Supporting Arnold is Tayvon Smith, who averages 6.4 rebounds per game, adding to the team’s solid rebounding presence. Aiken’s offense, paired with their defensive consistency, has them positioned as a clear favorite.

Woodford County’s Struggles and Triumphs

In contrast, Woodford County’s season has been a mixed bag, with a 10-7 overall record. Their district record stands at 1-2, and they have a modest 2-2 record at home and away. Despite their struggles in the district, the team has shown resilience, particularly with a strong finish to their games. On average, they score 63.5 points per game, with a particularly strong final quarter, where they average 21 points per game.

Woodford County’s top player, James Burnett Jr., has had a steady season, contributing 2.8 steals per game and adding a solid defensive presence. However, their offense lacks the same punch as Aiken’s, averaging just 15.0 points in the first quarter compared to Aiken’s 19.8. As the team looks to improve, they’ll need to find a way to generate more consistent scoring throughout all four quarters.

Statistical Breakdown: Aiken’s Edge

In a direct comparison, Aiken has a clear statistical advantage over Woodford County. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key team stats:

• Points Per Game: Aiken leads with 81.1 points per game, significantly higher than Woodford County’s 63.5.
• Rebounds Per Game: Both teams are solid here, with Aiken averaging 32.8 rebounds per game, while Woodford County isn’t far behind, averaging 30.3.
• Assists and Steals: Aiken excels with 17.8 assists per game and 11.7 steals, while Woodford County has only 9.8 assists and 8.2 steals per game.
• Blocks: Aiken has the advantage here as well, with 3.0 blocks per game compared to Woodford County’s 2.0.

Head-to-Head: Aiken Takes the Win

Both teams share a common opponent in Ballard, and both secured victories. Aiken edged out Ballard 65-64 on December 20, 2024, while Woodford County won 66-56 on December 14, 2024. This demonstrates that both teams are capable of competing at a high level, but Aiken’s slightly better performance in the head-to-head matchup suggests they may have the upper hand.

Key Players: The Stars Shine

Aiken’s success revolves around their star player, Jaiden Arnold. With nearly 20 points per game, Arnold is the heart of Aiken’s offense and an integral part of their team’s success. His contributions extend beyond scoring, as he averages 4.8 assists and 0.7 blocks per game.

On the other hand, Woodford County’s leading scorer, Burnett, has been strong defensively but needs more help on offense. While his 2.8 steals per game highlight his defensive prowess, the team will need other players to step up if they are to challenge teams like Aiken.

Conclusion: Aiken’s Undefeated Dominance vs. Woodford County’s Resilience

Aiken has established itself as a top contender with an undefeated record and impressive offensive output. Woodford County, despite its challenges, has shown resilience and the ability to perform well in key moments, particularly in their high-scoring fourth quarters.

As the season progresses, Aiken will look to maintain its undefeated streak and continue its dominant play, while Woodford County will need to improve its consistency if they hope to make a deeper run in the postseason. The contrast in team dynamics presents an exciting storyline, with Aiken’s high-powered offense against Woodford County’s gritty playmaking. Both teams have the potential to achieve great things, but Aiken’s current form puts them ahead in the race.