Some athletes arrive at a new school hoping to blend in. Others, like Webb City junior Carson Anderson, arrive determined to elevate everything around them. In his first season with the Cardinals, he’s stepped in with clear intention: “My personal goals for this season are to become a leader on our team and to put the team in the best position to win every game.”

That mindset has been met with a warm welcome. According to Carson, “The team morale has been outstanding especially being the new guy I’ve felt right at home.” The comfort and chemistry inside the locker room have helped the group make noticeable strides early on. “The biggest improvement from the team I would say is our strength to communicate and work together.”

Collective goals shape the direction of the program, and Carson takes them seriously. “Some of our goals as a team are to win districts and grow our chemistry as a team to have a successful season and future seasons,” he said. One of the reasons they believe they can achieve those goals is the pace they play with. “The team’s biggest strength right now is our ability to push the ball up the court and just running teams up and down the court playing at our fast pace.”

Carson leads that effort from the floor. “I play at the point guard position, but I will play wherever coach needs me to play in order to win games.” When evaluating defenses, he thinks with intention: “I look for the other team’s weaknesses to attack them efficiently.” His preparation centers around fundamentals. “I prepare myself for games by really focusing on my shooting form and making sure my body is warmed up.”

His competitive fire is fueled by confidence. “My mindset every time I step on the court is that we’re going to win and no one’s better than we are.” He also hopes his purpose is remembered long after he leaves Webb City: “When I graduate, I want my legacy to be that I played for the Lord not anyone else.”

Fans may not realize the group’s intensity. “Something outsiders may not know about this team is that we are a team that’s going to play buzzer to buzzer every game.”

Carson Anderson, a 6’2” junior, is in his first year at Webb City, and his plans are straightforward: “I plan to play basketball at the collegiate level after high school.”