On August 15th, MidStateHoops.com informed the world that the twin cities of Bloomington-Normal was going to produce a star this season in 6'0" senior guard, Corey Aken.  Well as it turns out, we were correct to say the least.  What we neglected to mention is that he would also have an accomplice in the backcourt with him in 6'3" senior wing, Warren Moore.

Normal Community West High School opened up their season shorthanded, as they were without its returning leading scorer, 6'6" Cody White.  Though they lost their first matchup against Normal U-High in an overtime battle, being shorthanded may have been a blessing in disguise.  Aken and Moore proved that they were able to lead their team as well as anyone in the Wildcats program if given the opportunity.  Aken ended up with 22 points in the contest while Moore finished with 8 points and 7 rebounds.

In the next contest, West blew away highly reguarded Class A program, Bloomington Central Catholic.  Their speed and athleticism took over the game as Aken finsihed with 19 points and Moore with 14.

Their third contest was a tough one.  They were matched up against Central Illinois powerhouse, Bloomington High School.  Justin Bocot and D'mitri Riggs may have been the two most noted players in the building but Aken and Moore were out to prove who was the most underrated.  The Wildcats tandom helped take the game down to the wire in a 72-75 loss.  Aken finished with a game high 22 points.  Moore only finished with 6 points but his impact on the game was noticeibly significant.

If Normal West continues playing this style of basketball and let Aken and Moore lead their team the way they have been, look for another team to be in the running for the Big 12 Conference championship this year.  These two are both Division I talents and should be a heckuva duo for the 2006-2007 season.

Additionally...

5'10" Bloomington High School point guard, Kenny King, has been playing very well.  The class of 2008 member made a huge impact in his varsity debut with an 11 point, 6 steal, and 5 assist effort.  Since then, he has been producing very solid numbers and should begin to see his stock rise tremendously if he continues to compete at the level he is currently playing on.