From the time Aidan Knight first stepped into a gym as an 8-year old, one particular skill has shined.

“I’ve always really been a shooter,” Knight said. “It was just having to get a handle on the ball more as I got older.”

Knight is handling every aspect of the game this season for Oviedo.

The junior is averaging 17 points per game for the Lions, who entered the week with a perfect 10-0 record.

Last week, he posted a career high 28 in a big district win against Seminole.

“It was a district game, Seminole is the district favorite and Aidan really had some big buckets in the second half,” Lions first year coach Jason Vallery said.

The Lions desperately needed Knight to become a go-to player. Oviedo lost their top six scorers from last year’s team.

Ivan Smith (19.6 points per game) and Miguel Lopez (10.5 ppg) graduated, Devin Knaub (9.1 ppg) transferred to Father Lopez and Morgan Mitchell (11.6 ppg) is focusing on football

“Aidan has filled in that role nicely and has added the leadership by being an enforcer and an encourager when needed,” Vallery said.

“We’re not scared to communicate with each other and tell each other if someone makes a mistake or congratulate each other if they make a good play,” Knight said.

So far, there have been plenty of good plays. The list of teams the Lions have defeated includes Hagerty, Orlando Christian Prep and Seminole.

But Coach Vallery knows things are going to get tougher as opponents pay closer attention to the Lions – and Knight.

“They’re going to try to take him away and he’s got to keep his composure and maintain the level of leadership and skill that he’s showed us already,” Vallery said.