From first guard off the bench as a sophomore to junior starter and captain, things have progressed pretty nicely — and quickly — for Newtown High School basketball point guard Aidan Walker. Then came his best week on the NHS hardwood, during which he averaged close to 25 points in three games — all wins — that turned the season around for the Nighthawks.

For his efforts, Walker was selected as the South-West Conference Player of the Week for week six. That put him in the running for the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Player of the Week accolades and guess who was the top vote-getter?

Thrilled to be chosen, Walker said this recognition is a result of the hard work he and coaches have put in, not only this season but in the offseason. Newtown High Coach Matt Murphy, who has been instrumental in his success, notes that Walker — who has aspirations of bringing his game to the collegiate level — trains hard in camps and in AAU programs throughout the year. Murphy has had the opportunity to see Walker’s skill set on display and coach him for some time. Walker has participated in the Murphy Basketball Camp for many years, including two summers as a counselor.

“His junior year is not a surprise to me,” Murphy said. “Through his dedication he’s become a better basketball player and better athlete — and it’s really shown on the court.”

Especially in that late-January week when Walker led Newtown to a 57-54 win over Kolbe Cathedral of Bridgeport, then to a 65-49 win over Immaculate of Danbury, and a 69-40 victory over Bassick of Bridgeport. Walker scored 19 against Kolbe and poured in 25 during each of the next two games.

“He showed great consistency in terms of scoring on the offensive end and helped us win three games in a row,” Murphy said. “He does a nice job on the defensive end — very disruptive, getting in passing lanes, and pressuring shots.”

Walker and the Nighthawks made it four consecutive victories with a 44-40 win at Stratford on January 28 as the Hawks put themselves into the thick of the conference playoff race after a tough start to the campaign.

Having played basketball since he was 3 years old, this is his favorite sport. Walker stopped playing football to focus on hoops year-round. Although he is a go-to scorer for the Hawks he does enjoy distributing in the frontcourt.

“I like getting others involved with the ball,” Walker said.

With being the point guard comes a lot of responsibility. “It’s a lot of pressure. I always tell myself pressure’s a privilege,” Walker said.

Walker said the victory over Kolbe, which came into the matchup with only one loss in SWC play, is a notable highlight of his NHS career thus far.

“It put the SWC on notice that we can hang with all the other teams,” Walker said.

Walker and the Hawks are hoping to create some bigger memories as this season — and next — unfold.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.