Topekan Hunter Anderson flying under the radar

<p>Flying below the radar can be frustrating for a player. But Topekan <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/hunter-anderson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/hunter-anderson/">Hunter Anderson</a></a> is trying to keep his chin up and worry about only what he can control.</p> <p>Anderson, a 6-foot-6 senior at Cair Paravel Latin School (CPLS) in Topeka, is definitely flying below the radar. His school competes in the Metro Christian Athletic Association, and plays in a few tournaments against smaller public schools in northeast Kansas. He gets little notice for his play for his school and has to rely upon his play during the summer to make his case for college opportunities.</p> <p>Thursday he got a rare opportunity to show what he can do against a bigger school in Topeka, the 4A Hayden Wildcats. Hayden has an enrollment of 408 in its high school. CPLS has 86.</p> <p>But when they tipped off, CPLS jumped out to a 16-3 lead during the first five minutes. Anderson hit his first four shots and had 10 points in the blink of an eye. Despite foul trouble, Anderson finished with 30 points on 11-19 shooting, including three triples.</p> <p>“It feels good to get this win,” Anderson said. “I love all my teammates. I think they’re great, so I knew we could do it. It was just fun to get in here and play against a really good opponent.”</p> <p>Anderson entered the contest with Hayden scoring 25 points a game, but putting up 30 against a “name brand” opponent goes a long way to validate his season average. He admitted that it can be frustrating to not get more notice.</p> <p>"It’s got its moments, for sure. It frustrates me at times," he said. "It’s good when you get those opportunities to prove yourself."</p> <p>Anderson believes he has the respect of the players his age, but his level of competition during the school year certainly creates a divide.</p> <p>"I know them all from summer ball, but I don’t know if they have the utmost respect for me because I don’t play in the (Centennial League) during the school season."</p> <p>Anderson plays with an aggressive style that pushes the envelope. But the occasional turnover or offensive foul is offset by dunks in traffic and highlight-reel shots. In the Hayden game he demonstrated comfort behind the arc, athleticism and ball handling ability, and maturity to calm down after picking up a third foul in the second period.</p> <p>“I want to be a smart player who works hard with great attitude," he said. "I want to be a player who does the little things and just loves the game and wants to help anyway I can.”</p> <p>Anderson said he’s currently being contacted by some junior colleges and four-year schools in the NAIA and Division II. He has visited some schools and hopes to get more offers as the spring approaches.</p>