CINCINNATI -- Bill Walker, one of the nation's top high
school basketball players, won't be allowed to play this year
because he has used up his eligibility.
Walker, a 6-foot-6 forward who combined with O.J. Mayo to lead
North College Hill to consecutive state championships, has
completed his eight semesters of eligibility, the Ohio High School
Athletic Association said Monday.
Walker played a year as a ninth-grader at Rose Hill Christian in
Ashland, Ky., before enrolling at North College Hill as an
eighth-grader in February 2003, the association said.
Walker was widely considered second only to Mayo among the
nation's incoming seniors. Walker averaged 21.7 points and 10.1
rebounds last season, highlighted by a 50-point, 25-rebound
performance in a 100-68 victory over Covington (Ky.) Holmes. North
College Hill (26-1) lost only to Virginia-based perennial power Oak
Hill Academy.
North College Hill High School officials have said they believed
Walker had four full seasons of eligibility when he enrolled.