Not many guards in this state that you would want on your team in the playoffs than Aekins, he showed why on Friday night. He was great all game long and he was the difference in the game. He was not scared of the moment and seized it. He ran the show and controlled the offense for Walnut all game. They consistently got good shots and had a good rhythm to their offense because of Aekins putting them in a good position and making the right passes. He never held the ball too long and read the defense great. He scored a good amount but he stood out offensively by running the Scots offense. This kid put on a defensive clinic. One of the better defensive performances I have seen this year. His on-ball pressure was phenomenal. He guarded Northland’s guards and put them in clamps. His lateral quickness is the best I’ve seen, he is simply always in front of you and applying pressure. He forces you to get the ball out of your hands because you can’t do anything with it when he is guarding you. He had a defensive focus because he did it all game. Picked up full court and applied incredible pressure, all game long. Great performance from Aekins last night.

Aekins had a sort of quiet game to his standards but still made an impact. Walnut Ridge had multiple times to bring the game close and Aekins was the one apart of that. He played hard the entire game even though his shot was not falling much. He is an ultra-quick point guard who can go wherever he wants because you won’t be able to stay in front of him. He made a ton of little effort plays for the Scots. Proving his leadership on a very young Walnut Ridge team.

Aekins is one of the smallest 17 U players at the PIT or Peach Jam and has had some moments with his quickness and ability to get into the lane. Watching the All Ohio Red 17 U team twice on Monday, Aekins was able to get into the lane and typically looked for the floater as a shot. Struggling from the perimeter to make jumpers, Aekins will look to be more efficient on the perimeter. Defensively, Aekins was really getting after ball handlers and making their lives tough. With nine steals in 68 minutes, that’s been the one area of the game where he’s had a real positive impact for his team. I expect low major coaches to have close eyes on Aekins this weekend.

I am happy to go on record that Aekins is the quickest player in the state. An absolute blur at 5’8, Aekins gets where he wants on the court. A rapidly improving outside shot-maker, Aekins has taken his 3-point volume and accuracy to new heights this season. One of the top scorers in the entire state, Youngstown State became the first Division I program to offer Aekins a couple weeks ago. It’s been a fast rise for Aekins who will look to continue his impressive play on the EYBL circuit this spring and summer against top competition.

One of the biggest stock risers in the 2024 class this season, Aekins has been on an absolute tear all season. The quickest player in the state, Aekins is almost impossible to stay in front of and stop from getting into the lane. An improved pull-up shooter, Aekins is not only making more shots but he’s also improved his touch on 3-pointers and layups. Obviously very undersized, Aekins will need to continue to develop ways to score around the rim and in the floater range, but he’s played himself into legit Division I interest this spring and summer.

Aikens is a short point guard that can put you on a highlight tape. He is ultra-quick and has an unbelievable handle on the ball. One of the shiftiest players I’ve ever seen. He elevates very high on his jumpers to get his shot off. He is a great athlete. He almost threw one down on a fast break. That should say a lot about how special this 5’9 junior is.