Academy’s boys basketball team is 5-0 (2-0 in MSL) and has displayed its dominance against the likes of Mifflin, Gahanna Christian, Heath, Licking Valley, and crosstown rival, Wellington. With experienced seniors as their foundation and Coach Warstler leading the way, the Vikings show promise for another triumphant season.

Through five games, Academy’s phenomenal, defensive effort held the opposition to only 179 points and has been the main contributor to the team’s success. While all the players provide assistance to this suffocating defense, senior point-guard, Jared Harris, ultimately sets the tone for the Vikes. Harris’s quick hands and high basketball IQ cause chaos for opponents, and the steals he collects cause a deadly momentum throughout the course of the games.

Defense may “win championships,” but it’s hard to win games with out putting the ball in the hoop, something that has not been a problem for Academy. This year’s team is outscoring opponents by an average of 20 points per game, and three-year starter, Daniel Aronowitz, is pushing the Vikings in the right direction. His experience and knowledge of the offense have helped the team feel more relaxed come game time. These Vikes are deadly from beyond the arc, powerful inside the paint, and smooth in transition-factors that keep Academy one-step ahead of everyone else.

Though the Vikings have been winning, they have not come close to their potential yet. In fact, the team is still missing a few key weapons. Juniors Jonathan Kornberg and Jack Lint are currently sidelined due to injuries, but upon return, they will have an exponential affect on the team. With a tough schedule ahead, the Vikings have plenty of work to do, but for now their perfect record is a sign for future success.

Written by Lee Solomon’14