Phoenix Christian High School's talented and high-scoring 6-foot-6, 185-pound senior Bryce Anderson had an amazing senior season for himself, as he helped lead his program to a semi-final finish in the State's 2A State Playoffs, before a loss to eventual 2A State Champion San Tan Charter. In the process, Anderson had a big senior season, which included one of the top most amazing scoring outbursts in Arizona basketball history, as Bryce Anderson exploded for 72 points in a single game this season. After mulling over his recruiting options this spring, Anderson has decided to stay home and play in the ACCAC - signing with South Mountain Community College.
Anderson's 72-point scoring outburst this season came in a huge 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.
Anderson still has some work in the classroom, so the junior college route became imminent him this spring, as he looked over his options for college. After mulling over his junior college options for school, Anderson decided to stay close to home and has landed at South Mountain Community College where he will play for longtime successful Head Coach Dan Nichols and his very experienced staff of assistant coaches, which includes local basketball legends Harry Cannon and Gil Lopez. The addition of Anderson to the ACCAC this fall will certainly also benefit the ACCAC's overall talent in the conference, and effort to keep Arizona's top-rated talent at home.
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 and more defensive intensity, Anderson has the ability to become a nice junior college prospect in the ACCAC.
Congratulations to Anderson and his family, as well as Head Coach and Athletic Director Ben Stryczek and his coaching staff, on the accomplishments by Anderson this season, and his signing with South Mountain CC. I look forward to continuing to follow his play and recruitment next season.