Harvest Prep is powered by Anthony’s fire
Deep down, Harvest Prep boys basketball coach David Dennis is concerned how some might perceive the court demeanor of Christopher "CJ" Anthony.
"I think people read him wrong … and maybe misconceive his body language during games," Dennis said. "CJ is just so intense, so emotional, so strong-willed, so competitive, so passionate out there. I’m telling you, he’s a warrior in the truest sense. The game of basketball means everything to him."
Anthony, a 6-foot junior guard who on Tuesday was
selected Division III state player of the year, also is a statstuffer who has led Harvest Prep (26-2) into a second consecutive state tournament. Anthony averages 25.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 4.2 steals.
“It’s true that I’m a basketball junkie, but at the same time the person I’m becoming here is the person I’ll be the rest of my life,” he said.
While Harvest Prep often is criticized for attracting its share of transfers, Anthony has attended the school since he was in kindergarten.
“This school is everything to me,” said Anthony, a thirdyear starter. “It’s a small, private school and everyone knows everyone here. I’ve really built a connection to this place. I’ve followed the basketball team and its legacy for as long as I can remember.”
Dennis, who coached Prep’s girls to back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011, has taken the boys to the state tournament four times in the Harvest Prep’s Christopher “CJ” Anthony averages 25.1 points a game for the Warriors, who will play in a Division III state semifinal Thursday. past six seasons. He had a hunch all along that Anthony would develop into an outstanding player.
“CJ was always hanging around, shooting and dribbling, when my son (David Jr.) was here (from 2011 to ‘14) and he always told me he’d be ready when his turn came,” Dennis said. “He always came to watch us and cheer for us. You could tell he just loved the game. Secondly, his father (Christopher Sr.) coaches him in AAU and his whole family is heavily involved in basketball. He gets another earful of basketball when he gets home every night.”
Anthony averaged 11.3 points and made third-team All-central District as a freshman. He jumped to 20.2 points in earning first-team All-ohio last year.
“As a freshman, CJ
just played his role and blended in, but he really blossomed into a complete player and continued to grow as a leader,” Dennis said.
A sense of urgency surrounds Anthony and the Warriors as they shoot for their first championship after being runner-up three times (one title was vacated because of Ohio High School Athletic Association violations). With eight seniors graduating, Anthony realizes this might represent his last realistic shot to earn a ring.
The Warriors were 29-0 heading into the state tournament a year ago but lost to Africentric 54-52 in a semifinal.
This year, they are viewed by some as the favorites.
“Unfinished business has been one of our mantras,” Anthony said. “Last year, I think we were just content to be there. This year’s team wants to take the next step. Every day we practice this week, I’m sure it’s going through everybody’s mind that this is the last stand. It could be do or die for us making history here.”