Phoenix Christian High School (15-2) has been on fire this high school season in the state's 2A Division - winning their last (12) games on the season. Led by committed Head Coach and Athletic Director Ben Stryczek, the program has consistently won at a high level and is making a lot of noise this high school season. No noise though has been louder though than that created by the play of 6-foot-6, 180 pound do-it-all senior Bryce Anderson. Anderson has had a terrific senior season for himself already, and then this week on Thursday evening, Anderson exploded for a game-high 72 points in his team's big 97-34 victory over Mountainside High School.
Anderson's amazing 72 point performance is the most points I have ever seen or heard scored in my (29) years of scouting the state of Arizona. Anderson's output is the second most points now ever scored in an Arizona high school basketball game. He now ranks second behind George McCormick, who scored 75 points in a game between Fredonia and Salome High School in 1966.
I previously wrote about Anderson before the high school season, and I indicated that this season would be his biggest and best season, and that Anderson was on the rise among the state's top overall prospects in the 2024 Class. He has been strong this season in his play, but he has definitely already exceeded my expectations this season with this recent performance, as he was currently averaging 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists per/game this season, but that was before his 72-point scoring outburst.
Anderson is having his most productive high school season of his young career. After averaging double-figures in his past two seasons as a junior and sophomore, Anderson is having his best season to date, suggesting he will only continue to improve over time. He still has a lot of upside as a college prospect.
Anderson has very good upside as a player and prospect, as he is just starting to mature into his body. He has a long and rangy frame that can definitely take on a lot more size, which will benefit him as a player and as a college prospect. He is a vey good athlete and runs the floor very well, one of his best attributes as a player. He has developed his perimeter shooting from the wing, and also has improved his ability to score from mid-range. I would love to see him continue to develop in these areas of his offensive game. He is a good rebounder that can get to the balls as a result of his length and athleticism, and also is a good shot-blocker as well. He is also a solid ball handler and can put the ball on the deck in the open floor, and is improving his ability to drive past defenders and finish in the lane. Anderson's best years as a player are definitely well ahead of him, as a result of his upside for the future. With continued hard work on his body, offensive game and defensive intensity, as all prospects need work on, Anderson should develop into much more of a serious player over time.
Currently, Anderson has been hearing from numerous smaller college programs for his college recruitment, and has yet to really see his recruitment take off. This recent scoring outburst should raise many eyebrows among college coaches, although Anderson does still have some work to do in the classroom to raise his overall GPA. He currently has a 2.1 CUM GPA, and is on pace to raise his GPA by his graduation, although heading the juco route would be a good option for him to raise his academic score and improve his overall recruitment.
I will continue to observe Anderson's play this season, as he looks to lead Phoenix Christian to another strong finish in the state's 2A Division. I will also keep you posted on his college recruitment, as the spring approaches and college options present themselves to him. Congratulations to Anderson and the Phoenix Christian coaching staff on his amazing performance this week.
