The Aiken frontcourt of Carr-Short and Kevin Blye Kevin Blye 6'9" | C Aiken | 2027 State OH looked like the avengers against an undersized and overwhelmed Troy team. Carr-Short had multiple putback layups and the duo swatted a handful of shots away at the rim. Between the duo, they grabbed 20 rebounds and locked 3 shots. To open the fourth quarter Carr-Short knocked down a tough 3-pointer to extend the Aiken lead to 19 and put the game away. Carr-Short also had a nice pass to a cutter later in the quarter, showing some development as a decision maker. Hoping to see these flashes happen more consistently for one of the more talented 2027 forwards in Cincinnati.

Aiken and Hughes were going back and forth until a massive fourth quarter run helped Aiken turn a slight deficit into a double-digit lead in a highly contested conference clash. Carr-Short finished with a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Best as a play finisher right now, Carr-Short had multiple finishes through contact and almost had a crazy poster dunk as the game was winding down. Defensively, Carr-Short was active with five steals and one block. Hoping to see Carr-Short take more care of the basketball whether it’s when he’s handling the ball, passing it or even jumping to passes thrown his way. If Carr-Short does that, he could average another assist a game and a few more points per contest as he’s as talented as anybody in the CMAC.

After losing in the state title game, graduating a majority of their core and welcoming in a new head coach, it’s a new era of basketball for Cincinnati Aiken. One of the few constants from last year is Carr-Short who will go from a complimentary big to the featured option. I’ve been impressed with the perimeter development he’s made as a 3-point shooter and ball handler, looking more confident making plays with the ball in his hands. One of the top prospects in Cincinnati’s 2027 class, Carr-Short could really blow up this winter.

A rising prospect out of the Cincinnati area, Carr-Short provides length, athleticism and size on the interior, Carr-Short had some bright flashes on the perimeter for All Ohio Red 16 U this weekend. Shooting the ball with confidence from the perimeter, Carr-Short spaced the floor and could faceup and attack using decisive moves. If Carr-Short can get stronger and improve his touch around the basket, he’ll improve his FG% and be even tougher to stop in the paint while also expanding his offensive ability to the perimeter. With tons of upside on both ends of the court, Carr-Short is still just scratching the surface of what he could become down the road.

Carr-Short is a prospect that you love. As soon as he checked into the game you see his height and length. He is listed at 6’7. He uses this length well around the rim. He grabbed nine boards in traffic. He also got a nice block I don’t know how many could get. He is a good versatile athlete. He has a ton of potential and will continue to play big and strong in their game next Friday.

I saw the breakout performance for Carr-Short in a win over Trotwood-Madison in the regional final. I was impressed with his activity at the rim and motor he played with against maybe the biggest center in the state. Also knocking down a 3-pointer as well, Carr-Short has very intriguing long-term upside. On a veteran Cincinnati Aiken squad that’s ran through the CMAC the past two seasons, guys like Carr-Short show that the Falcons will still be a powerhouse to contend with next season as well.

I noticed Carr-Short in the regular season battle with Trotwood Madison and wrote his name down as a player to monitor for the future. The future came fast as on Saturday in the regional final, Carr-Short made some massive plays and finished with 9 points on 4/4 shooting, helping his team outscore the Rams by 14 points in his 11 minutes of game action. With his size, length, athleticism and potential to shoot the basketball, I’m very intrigued by the long-term upside Carr-Short showed on Saturday.