Kiyan Anthony faces off against Bryce James in highly anticipated showdown

On December 13, 2024, high school basketball will take center stage at UBS Arena, marking a significant moment in the legacy of two NBA legends, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Their sons, Kiyan Anthony of Long Island Lutheran and Bryce James of Sierra Canyon, are set to face off in this much-anticipated matchup at 8 p.m. Both players have impressive backgrounds; Kiyan Anthony, ranked No. 36 on the ESPN 100 and committed to Syracuse, has previously faced Bronny James, LeBron's eldest son, during his time at Christ the King High School. Bryce James, LeBron's second son, represents Sierra Canyon, which has a strong reputation in youth basketball. The game is part of the LuHi Holiday Invitational, where LuHi enters with a 3-2 record and Sierra Canyon boasts a 7-1 record. The significance of this game extends beyond the court, as it represents a full-circle moment for Tim Doyle, a former player who played in a historic game between Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James in 2002. Doyle, who is now an organizer of today’s event alongside his brother Dan, references the past rivalry and sees this matchup as a continuation of their legacies. In 2002, Carmelo Anthony led Oak Hill Academy to a 72-66 victory over St. Vincent-St. Mary, which featured LeBron, with both players showcasing their exceptional skill at a young age. Tim Doyle sees the opportunity to promote this event a generation later as a special experience for his son as well. This upcoming game will not only highlight the skills of the young athletes but also set a milestone as it will be the first high school basketball game held at UBS Arena. Chaminade and Holy Trinity will begin the evening with a 6 p.m. tip-off, ahead of Kiyan and Bryce’s highly anticipated faceoff. Chaminade coach Dan Feeney expressed excitement about being part of this historic event, underlining the significance of the match as their first league game this season. As these young athletes prepare for what could be a defining moment in their careers, the game at UBS Arena serves as a reminder of the impact that the high school basketball scene has on the broader sports landscape. This matchup signifies a chance for both players to carve their names in basketball histories that are already enriched by their fathers' legacies.