Charlotte Observer readers name Porter Ridge’s CJ Anthony as HS senior of the year
After more than 86,000 votes, Charlotte Observer readers have named Porter Ridge’s CJ Anthony as high school basketball senior of the year.
The media outlet ran a poll for a week that included nominees who were ranked in MaxPreps among the top 20 statewide in points, rebounds, steals or assists.
Anthony earned 33 percent of the vote, finishing ahead of Liberty Prep’s Nathan Adams, South Charlotte Thunder’s Ben Miller and Stuart Cramer’s Will Kelly.
Anthony, a 6-foot-3 senior, has signed to play football at Johnson C. Smith. Anthony averages more than five assists per game, which ranks among the top 20 seniors in North Carolina. He also averages 7.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 steals for Porter Ridge, which was runner-up to Weddington in last week’s Southern Carolina tournament championship.
The entire list of finalists and their accomplishments are below.
Note: This is not the All-Observer or our all-state Super Team and will have no bearing on those selections, which will be named later this year.
Senior of the year finalists
CJ Anthony, Porter Ridge: 6-3 senior, signed to JC Smith for football, is top 20 among N.C. seniors at five assists per game. He also averages 7.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game.
Ishmiel Bradley, Cabarrus Charter: 6-5 senior averages 5.1 assists along with 14.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.8 steals and two blocks per game.
Zeke Cannedy, Kings Mountain: Mountaineers senior averages 34.6 points per game and is top 10 in the nation.
MJ Chambers, South Iredell: 6-0 senior is averaging 5.2 assists, eight points, 3.1 rebounds and two steals per game.
Jaiden Coston, R-S Central: No. 7 among NC seniors at 5.7 assists per game.
DJ Cuttino, Concord Academy: 6-2 senior is top 10 in the state among seniors with 5.9 assists per game. He also averages 9.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
Ryan Davis, The Master’s Academy: In Forest City, Davis’ 11.7 rebounds per game is top 10 in North Carolina among seniors, and he also averages 17.9 points and 2.1 steals per game.
Jackson Edwards, Lee Park Prep: In Monroe, Edwards’ 5.7 assists per game is top 10 among seniors and he also averages 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game.
Jeremiah Jones, East Lincoln: 6-0 senior guard averages 5.5 assists along with 10 points, four rebounds and three steals per game.
Will Kelly, Stuart Cramer: Belmont star is averaging 30.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 3.9 steals per game.
Orlando Lovejoy, 1 of 1 Academy: In Indian Trail, the senior point guard, averages 24.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 2.6 steals for LaMelo Ball’s team.
Ben Miller, South Charlotte Thunder: No. 2 statewide among seniors with 12.8 rebounds per game. He also averages 11.2 points and 2.8 assists.
Harley Sponseller, Christian Family Academy: ranks No. 10 among seniors with 3.8 steals per game.
Matthew Smith, Christian Family Academy: In Hickory, Smith, a 6-1 guard, is averaging 10.8 rebounds, 6.4 points and three steals.
Cade Tyson, Carmel Christian: 6-foot-8 Belmont signee is averages 23.7 points, six rebounds and two assists.
This story was originally published February 15, 2022 at 6:29 PM.
