Prospect Spotlight: 2022 Charles Anyichie
The Panthers entered the 2019-20 season needing someone to step up with the graduations of Scottie Lewis and Bryan Antoine. Sophomore Elijah Perkins was the only returning player who played significant minutes last season, meaning head coach Taj Holden needed someone…
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Continue ReadingThe Panthers entered the 2019-20 season needing someone to step up with the graduations of Scottie Lewis and Bryan Antoine. Sophomore Elijah Perkins was the only returning player who played significant minutes last season, meaning head coach Taj Holden needed someone to step up inside. Hunterdon Central transfer Ryan Zan has been solid all season, but it’s been Charles Anyichie who has been the X-Factor.
The 6’7 sophomore plays with a relentless motor and does not take a play off at both ends of the floor. Anyichie uses his length and athleticism to alter numerous shots around the rim. His most recent game against Point Pleasant Beach is evidence of that as he finished up with 20 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks. Anyichie forced the Garnet Gulls away from the basket and altered numerous shots when he was in the game.
His 20 points were a career-high as Anyichie attacked the basket strong throughout the game. He showcased a soft touch around the basket and grabbed numerous rebounds outside of his area. Anyichie does not take a lot of jumpers, but he showcases a nice shooting form on his free throws.
His emergence as the go-to big man is huge as Central Regional transfer Kyle Rhoden has not yet played for the Panthers this season due to injury. Zan has provided Ranney with a good scorer down low, but Anyichie has been the interior presence the Panthers needed.
His presence down low has opened up shots for guards Brandon Klatsky and Nick Troccoli on the perimeter. Freshman Zach Davis has also benefited from Anyichie’s insertion into the lineup as he has become more assertive on the offensive end. Anyichie played well against Roselle Catholic big man Cliff Omoruyi, proving he can play with anyone down low.
The Panthers need their sophomore big men to step up their game as the Shore Conference Tournament and Non Public B South are filled with good big men. Alex Galvan is one of the top players in the Shore Conference, while Najae Hallenbeck has been a load on the block all season for Toms River North. Middletown South’s Bobby Pires may only be 6’4, but he had his way with Ranney at the Hoop Group Boardwalk Showcase.
West Virginia commit Taj Thweatt is playing at an elite level for Wildwood Catholic, while TCNJ commit Jacob Hopping is playing the best basketball of his career. Rutgers Prep is the only undefeated team in New Jersey behind star junior forward Trey Patterson and Sacred Heart commit Nico Galette. VCU commit Jamir Watkins is one of the to players in the state, while 6’8 senior Joe Glenn is a solid interior presence for Holy Spirit.
Anyichie has been good for the Panthers all season long as he is one of the top sophomores in the Shore Conference. His ability to affect the game at both ends is vital for a Ranney team in need of a good interior defender. Anyichie will have to maintain his play in the Shore Conference Tournament and Non-Public B South to give Ranney a shot at repeating as champions in 2020.