Chris Anderson sparks Anaheim Canyon win

When Chris Anderson was a 5-foot-4 freshman at Anaheim Canyon, he looked like a lost middle school student. He got attention because he was the younger brother of standout guard Jerime Anderson, but few expected him to develop into one of the best basketball players in Southern California.

That’s exactly what he has become, as demonstrated again on Friday night, when he scored 17 points, contributed nine assists and six rebounds to help the Comanches defeat Canyon Country Canyon, 65-59, in a Southern Section Division 2AA second-round playoff game in Canyon Country.

His three-point basket from the top of the key with 3:46 left broke a 54-54 tie and ignited the Comanches (26-3), who will play at Fontana Summit in a quarterfinal Tuesday.

“That’s the kind of player he is,” Coach Nate Harrison said. “He makes big shots.”

Anderson had to leave the game briefly in the fourth quarter after picking up his fourth foul. The Comanches’ 10-point lead began to disappear.

“I was too excited,” he said. “I got a little antsy and tried to make plays all the time. I kept my composure and played through it.”

His development is real. He has grown into a 5-9 senior and is starting to receive college interest from Big West schools. And his big brother, a guard at UCLA, would have been proud with the way Anderson took charge with the game on the line.

He used his quickness, jumping ability and fearlessness to attack the basket.

“I have a big heart,” he said.

The Comanches fell behind, 32-30, at halftime, but outscored the Cowboys (20-8), 22-10, in the third quarter when Anderson became a distributor. Toreno Winn contributed six of his 13 points in the quarter.

The Cowboys stayed in the game behind junior point guard Coley Apsay, who scored 23 points, and senior forward Darnel Haggerty, who had 17 points.

Anderson was involved in numerous big plays in the second half, whether it was his passing, rebounding or scoring. Twice he made passes to Jojo Ballestero, leading to three-point baskets from the top of the key.

“I’ve grown as a leader,” he said.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com

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