The bigger the stage, the bigger he plays.
At least that’s how Central Pointe Christian Academy (FL) Class of 2022 prospect Mykol Sanchez likes to envision it. Sanchez, a 6-foot-6 off guard with a knack for hitting timely 3-pointers, relishes the big game moments.
And with Central Pointe playing an unforgiving national schedule in the traditionally loaded SIAA-Florida conference and on the prestigious Grind Session circuit, he’s got plenty of opportunities to register his quick-strike 3-point shooting presence.
Sanchez morphed into the mad bomber in CPCA’s win over Our Savior Lutheran (NY) earlier in the season, scoring 30 points on the strength of eight 3-pointers.
Going against the likes of Seton Hall-bound Jaquan Sanders, Iona-commit Sadiku Ayo and several highly acclaimed recruits was enough to spark a fire in Sanchez, who has an offer from Florida International University and has been hearing from Iona and UMKC recently.
The adrenaline was again coursing through Sanchez’ veins during a 74-73 overtime victory against West Oaks Academy, a cross-town rival in Orlando and formidable conference foe.
Sanchez scored 21 points amid amplified close outs and pressure from West Oaks’ guards, displaying a dependable mid range game and the ability to hit tough, contested shots.
“I’ve got to adjust to how they guard me now,” Sanchez said. “Since the first Grind Session, guys are starting to guard me tougher and not leave me open. They were all over me at West Oaks.”
It is everything Sanchez could have prepared for this summer, when he spent hours on hours on end launching shots in the scalding heat at his Kissimmee, Fla., home.
This level of grind and disciplined buy-in was necessary. Sanchez was going from the program’s regional team to a vital, shot making role on the national team. The games would be ramped up, competition-wise. The schedule would be daunting. The defenders would be bigger. The pace of the game would be faster.
And so a transition of this magnitude requires preparation and augmented focus.
“I would basically be at the court all day, from morning to nighttime,” Sanchez recalled.
The workload paid instant dividends.
Sanchez averaged a tournament best 28 PPG during the SIAA showcase in Daytona Beach, Fla., this summer.
While the summer grind set the table for his emergence as a deadly outside trigger man, his relationship with both CPCA coach Christian Dalmau and sharp-shooting teammate Jalen Carruth has enabled the process to flow smoothly.
“Coach Christian has been as big of a role model for me as anyone in the four years I have been here,” said Sanchez of the former professional, known for his career in Puerto Rico and multiple countries.
“He just makes the game look easy. He breaks the game down for me, you learn so much from him. We watch games, we break down film and even watch some of his games from when he was a pro. When I’m struggling, he just helps me get me confidence up. He tells me to keep shooting.”
While he’s got a source to lean on for guidance in Dalmau, Sanchez has a fight on his hands in practice with close friend and 2023 prospect Carruth.
“It’s so competitive with me and Jalen in practice,” Sanchez said.
“We go at it. It gets serious in practice, but Jalen and myself we always leave there laughing. During the game, when one of us gets hot, the other gets going.”
