ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Justin Anderson

Pitman’s Justin Anderson has come out of the gates with a pair of double-doubles to open up Central California Athletic League competition (Photo contributed).

It’s no secret that whenever teams play the Pitman Pride, there is a spotlight on guard Avery Sanchez. It’s hard to blame teams for putting an emphasis on defending Sanchez, as he has averaged around 20 points per game on the season as a sophomore. The extra attention he receives has opened up opportunities for Justin Anderson, who has come out of the gates with a pair of double-doubles to open up Central California Athletic League competition.

Last Wednesday, he put up 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in a 68-40 win against the Modesto Panthers. On Friday, he scored 18 points and snagged 12 boards against the Downey Knights.

“It was pretty easy when they're playing a box-one on Avery. It opens up the floor a lot more and gives us a lot of options. And we got a lot of people who can score the ball,” he explained after Friday’s win.

The Pride are 2-0 in league play heading into today’s clash with crosstown rival Turlock, who are 1-1 in CCAL. Anderson, who spoke with the Journal on Tuesday, hopes that they can keep up the momentum in what he expects to be a rowdy Bulldog Arena.

“Obviously, we have one of our bigger, tougher games coming up tomorrow at Turlock, and it’s going to be crazy in there. So as long as we can really just focus on what we need to do and just take it a game at a time. I think we'll be okay,” he said. “It’s all about taking it one game at a time and not getting too ahead of ourselves or getting too caught up in everything going on outside of ourselves and our team.”

Anderson explained that if they stick to that plan, his dreams of hoisting the CCAL crown and making a deep playoff run to cap off his high school career can be achieved.

“I think we have a lot of guys that are eager and young and just really excited to be a part of this team. A lot of guys have come a long way, especially from the beginning of summer… As for me, I've been focusing on just enjoying the moment, enjoying the season, really enjoying the guys that I'm around, and not taking anything for granted. Obviously after this, I'm not going to be in high school anymore, so I’m just going out and giving everything I have for my team.”

Age: 17

Grade: Senior

Favorite class: Psychology, Mr. Santos

Favorite food: Tacos

Hobbies: Playing video games, riding bikes

Favorite video games: Brawlhalla and We Were Here

Pets: Three cats

Favorite animal: Dogs

Favorite movie: “Grown Ups”

Favorite color: Red

Favorite athlete: Deebo Samuel

Favorite team: San Francisco 49ers