Walking through the hall it is impossible to miss them. Standing at 6’10 freshman Dylan Anderson and 6’9 sophomore Carter Van Hammond are bringing height and length to a boys basketball team that enters the playoffs with a record of 17-9 (5-3).

Van Hammond, who was 6’0 by fourth grade, has been playing on the hardwood since the age of five. Anderson, who owns a 7’2 wingspan, has been invited to compete for the USA Basketball Junior National Team.

As the playoffs are here Van Hammond has his role in site.

“I hope that I can bring energy to the team and make an impact offensively when I get the chance,” forward Carter Van Hammond said.

“We hope to have them both playing their best come playoff time,” Head coach Sam Duane said, “We need both of them to be ready to play.”

Van Hammond made his biggest impact in the Pumas first true road game of the year as the team travelled to North. Van Hammond contributed 10 points to the Pumas 23 point win.

Anderson on the other hand has been a starter all season while averaging 10 points per game. “Dylan has been an impact all year as he’s been starting for us,” Duane said.

On the defensive side of the ball their presence can be felt from miles away.

“We dont worry so much about our guards being beat to the rim because we have some rim protectors now,” Duane said, “They have allowed us to pressure the ball a little more.”

Because of the size the team has in the middle it allows the on-ball defenders to be more aggressive. These defenders know that even if the ball handler gets by them they have help defense coming from Anderson and Van Hammond.

Their length provides a new aspect to the offensive end as well.

“I can shoot shots that a defender can’t block and can’t stop,” Van Hammond stated.

“They allow us to have an inside game, they rebound well, and they give us a presence defensively.” Duane said, “They just give us a presence inside both defensively and offensively.”

Anderson has already received offers from prominent basketball programs such as Arizona State and California while Van Hammond has received an offer from Cal State San Marcos and interest from many others such as Stanford and Wisconsin.

The Pumas have been gutting out wins all season long. Including a triple overtime victory over Brophy College Prep.

“We are playing really well.” Duane said, “The bigs are a big part of what we are doing.”

Dylan Anderson declined to comment on this story.