Mason Martin knocks down 11 three-pointers, scores 41 as Neuqua Valley routs West Aurora

Cole Kelly was one of the state’s breakout stars last year, putting up the best statistical season in Neuqua Valley history when he was just a freshman.

His sophomore year improvements were noticeable right away in the No. 15 Wildcats’ season-opening 88-60 win against West Aurora at the Hoops 4 Healing Tournament in Oswego on Tuesday. Kelly is more comfortable dribbling with his right hand and shoots off the dribble.

“Last year I was really nervous,” Kelly said. “Especially early in the season. So that’s the big difference for me. And now the year of experience, knowing how it all goes, makes everything easier.”

Kelly scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds, but he’s not alone this season. Mason Martin, who had a solid sophomore year, earned a lot of recognition over the summer and came out on fire against West Aurora.

Martin scored 41 points. He was 11 of 19 from three-point range.

“It’s a big morale booster, being able to come out and show everyone what we’ve been working super hard towards,” Martins said. “We are a really good team, even though we are young, and we can play with anybody.”

Junior Danny Mikuta had seven points and five rebounds for Neuqua Valley (1-0) and junior Luke Balgro scored five. There is a fascinating senior X-Factor among all of the younger players: 6-10 Darlin Aghomi.

Aghomi only started playing basketball when he was 12. He grew seven inches in one year.

“That was back in Ghana, before I moved here,” Aghomi said. “I knew I was going to get tall and that basketball would give me some opportunities.”

Aghomi was on the team last year, but didn’t play much.

“Last year was not the best for me, but I’ve improved,” Aghomi said. “I struggled in many of the plays and I was new to the whole system. I got confused. I have to keep working and keep hustling. The more I hustle, the better I can make my team.”

Aghomi had four points and four rebounds in limited time against West Aurora.

“Every day is a work in progress,” Neuqua Valley coach Todd Sutton said. “I’ve seen some really great things. One moment, he will drop-step dunk like Shaquille O’Neal. Some games he will shoot an airball with the same shot. He’s working.”

“Obviously, you can’t teach 6-10,” Kelly said. “[Aghomi] has shown major improvements from last year. Being able to post up and he’s really been able to see the kick outs. He helps out on the boards too. He can make everyone’s lives easier.”

Junior guard Travis Brown led West Aurora (0-2) with 24 points and eight rebounds. The Blackhawks trailed 45-31 at halftime. Neuqua Valley hit two threes to open the third quarter and pulled away.

“They were lights out anytime they had an open look, and we lost track of guys that could put the ball in the basket,” West Aurora coach Michael Fowler said. “We need to clean some things up, but in the long run, we can be a pretty good basketball team.”