Columbus City League Preview: Eastmoor Academy Warriors

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Young talent, a flat out winner as a coach and the best game announcer in the business (me) is how teams win in the city of Columbus. Jim Miranda understands the first two points, although the third point is true, and always believes he has a chance to get to the Columbus City League championship game. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Losing the four-year letterman and a three year starter in [player_tooltip player_id="917596" first="Julian" last="Binford"] will be the biggest blow. Binford was the latest in a string of amazing point guards under coach Miranda, following in the light of Marshall University’s Tavion Kinsey and not missing a beat. Binford’s pure speed kept defenses off-guard in transition and his shooting frustrated coaches because he could get open at any second. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Going into this season, the Warriors have as good a chance as any to take-over the wide open Columbus City League south division. This team has a gang of sophomores and juniors that played in many close games and had a competitive playoff run that ended in heartbreaking fashion in the district finals to the Beechcroft Cougars. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Warriors will keep their tradition of guard play alive with the trio of the will-be senior </span><b>Deon Thorpe</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, class of 2022 </span><b>Aaron Lawson</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and upcoming sophomore </span><b>Antony Lowery</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Deon Thorpe, the younger brother of a past exceptional Warrior point guard Doug Thorpe, is a traditional and pure point guard who will control the team and keep them composed. His jumper is really good and his strong upper body helps him be able to finish in traffic.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The junior Aaron Lawson is a long, almost wing-type player that carries a lock in his shorts and the offensive player can have the key after the game to free themselves. His scoring output may never be the likes of Von Cameron Davis but it will increase with more playing time. He also can finish at the basket through contact with his slight frame and his jump shot will fall if you leave him open. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Gabriel Oduro</strong> and <strong>Dennis Asoro</strong> will need to rebound, play physical and utilize their speed aspect in order to capture victories this season. The two averaged close to 12 points combined last season. The slim built duo can leap out of the gym and both hit 15-foot jump shots but will need to dish out punishment as much as they will take it. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Columbus City League south is as open as a layup against the Washington Wizards and the Eastmoor Academy Warriors have as good of a chance as any team to represent their division in the City League championship game. The maturity and development of the boys that had a chance to compete at a high level last season will make the difference. </span></p>