Chris Carter
Sanderson basketball — Senior
Four years ago, Sanderson senior Chris Carter stood a shade below 6-foot-tall and was honing his guard skills. Today, the Spartan forward stands 6-foot-7, and is one of the best players in the Cap-7 Conference — with a big game to prove it.
Having helped Sanderson to a 4-1 record this season, Carter is getting it done on the court (averaging 15 points per game) as well as the huddle (one of three captains) this winter.
If the Spartans are to challenge preseason favorite Enloe for a league title, Carter must come up big — and that shouldn't be a problem.
NorthRaleighSports.com recently spoke with the senior about this year's Spartans, playing for Coach Mike Shaw and which games he's looking forward to this season.
Tell me a little bit about this team. What are the strengths of the Spartans?
I would have to say this team is very "brother-oriented." We all get along. We don't care who scores as long as we get the W. That's what matters to us.
What is your role on this year's team?
I am counted on to be one of our leaders, making sure people know where to go and tell them what to do — just like our other captains DJ Turner and Kevin Black.
How would you describe this team?
We have good athletes. We're more of a fast-paced team, but we run our offense pretty well.
Who has shown the most improvement over the past year?
Matt James has really improved his free-throw shooting. That's a big accomplishment. He gets to the line a lot, so it's a huge help.
Both you and Matt throw down some impressive dunks, have you ever had a competition?
We had one during the summer, and I think I won it.
How would you describe Matt's dunking style?
He takes no prisoners.
What about you?
I'm the same way.
If you guys needed a big shot, down by three, who's shooting it?
Franklin Wolfe
Best moment playing for the Spartans?
I'd have to say being 4-1 at this point of the season this year. This time, last year, we weren't this good.
Was this fast start a surprise? Or did you expect it?
Personally, I thought we could have a start like this and it's great to see it come true.
When you look at the schedule, which games stick out to you? What's a big rivalry game for the Spartans?
Millbrook and Enloe.
What is it about those teams that you look forward to playing them?
Millbrook likes to talk a little bit and they are always our rivals. And Enloe, they have Melvin Tabb and Emanuel Chapman, and I love competing against them.
How has your role changed during your career here?
I was a small-time player for us when I came up three years ago. And then Coach Shaw gave me chance, I just ran with it — within his guidelines, of course.
What is Coach Shaw like?
He can get emotional during the game. And he gets after me in practice a lot, which I don't mind.
This is your senior year, do you know what you'd like to do next year?
I want to play college ball. But I'm still figuring it out.
What's it's like being 6-foot-7? What's the best part?
It probably has to be seeing over everybody.
Carter and the Spartans open up their Cap-7 Conference schedule Thursday, Dec. 10, at Wakefield.
