Phoenix Christian High School had an excellent season last year, falling in the semi-finals of the 2A State Tournament. The program finished the high school season with an impressive 24-5 overall record last season. Head Coach Ben Stryczek has built a strong program and is excited about his team again for this season. While the program recently lost their star player, Tommy Randolph, to a recent transfer, the program is still very talented, and looks to be a staple among the top programs in the 2A Division. The potential and play of 6-foot-6 senior forward Bryce Anderson is a major reason for Coach Stryczek's confidence in his team.
Anderson is on the rise among the state's top overall prospects in the 2024 Class, and is set to have 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 set to raise his overall numbers a great deal this high school season. The recent departure of senior do-it-all guard Tommy Randolph to a transfer to Pinnacle High School, was a big loss for the Phoenix Christian program. Anderson will be relied on this high school season to pick up some of the slack left by Randolph's absence, as will every player on this year's team. Anderson has the length, athleticism and potential to raise his overall game and pour in a much higher level of production as a senior, which should benefit the team a great deal.
Anderson looks to be focused on having a big senior year also to raise his recruiting stock with college programs. Currently Anderson advised me that he is hearing from numerous smaller college programs. Such programs as Redlands University (CA) and several other smaller schools have been in hot pursuit of Anderson. Anderson advised me that he is looking to go where he can play, and does not seem to be to focused on the level of the college program.
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. While his best years are ahead of him, I expect this year to be the best of his young career.
