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It's official, Kiyan Anthony is back! After suffering a minor injury following a hard fall during Long Island Lutheran's season opener on November 30, the four-star shooting guard made his presence felt against Veritas Academy during the LaPorte Invitational on Friday. Kiyan and co. won that game with an eight-point lead, 61-53.
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The Long Island Lutheran Crusaders (8-6) have been slipping since Carmelo Anthony's son's month-long absence, with big losses against the likes of Owasso, Montverde Academy and Link Academy. However, the Mingo brothers, four-star Kayden and five-star Dylan, have been carrying the team in his stead, and they did so again during this game, as Kiyan Anthony was still adjusting to his return.
Penn State commit Kayden Mingo led the way with 15 points, six rebounds and two assists, while his younger brother, Dylan, added eight points, 13 rebounds, four assists and three steals. Four-star Marquette commit Nigel Hames added 13 points and five rebounds, with one assist and four steals. As for Anthony, he scored a modest 11 points, with one rebound and two assists.
As for Veritas Academy, Aram Soqui Urbano was the only one in double figures, scoring a game-high 17 points, along with two rebounds, one assist and one steal. The game was very close throughout, tied 15-15 in the first quarter and 30-30 in the second. The Crusaders started pulling away in the third, but Veritas Academy kept it close.
Tougher schools ahead as Kiyan Anthony and LuHi head to Hoophall Classic
While Long Island Lutheran escaped Veritas Academy with a win, the team's next challenge is expected to be tougher as it travels to Springfield, Massachusetts, for one of the most prestigious events in high school basketball, the Hoophall Classic, which will be attended by some of the best teams from all over the country.
Kiyan Anthony and Long Island Lutheran will play two games during that event, both against teams led by five-star prospects. The first challenge will be on January 19, when the Crusaders take on Arizona Compass Prep, also known as AZ Compass. The team is led by five-star Miikka Muurinen, the No. 6-ranked prospect in the Class of 2026, and the No. 1-ranked power forward.
After that, they will go against Indiana's La Lumiere, which is led by No. 15 ranked Notre Dame commit, Jalen Haralson.
