Zander Carter committed to Liberty almost two full years ago before his 11th grade school year even began. Now, he has concluded his high school basketball career and begins preparation to come to Liberty this summer.
Carter leaves Ashland Blazer as one of the more decorated basketball players in the history of Kentucky high school. With over 3,000 career points, he is one of the top 30 career scorers all-time in Kentucky high school basketball and Ashland’s all-time leading scorer. The 6’6″ Carter was 15-0 in regional tournaments with five regional titles and a three-time tournament MVP. He holds the record for the most all-time wins in Kentucky high school basketball. He was named the 16th region player of the year and a finalist for Mr. Basketball in Kentucky following this past season. Carter averaged over 20 points per game each of his past three seasons of high school. He committed to Liberty early in the recruiting process over offers from Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee Tech. He also reportedly turned down an offer from Overtime Elite to finish his high school career, the same G League team that has signed other highly rated high school recruits with a salary of six figures.
As a senior, Carter averaged 23.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game for Ashland. He helped lead them to a 24-8 record. Ultimately, Carter and Ashland fell short of their dream of winning the Kentucky state title, losing to Bowling Green in overtime in the quarterfinals of the state tournament at Rupp Arena. Bowling Green would advance to the championship game before falling there. Carter had 33 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds in the losing effort to Bowling Green. This came right after his performance in the Sweet 16 to advance to the quarterfinals when Carter had 29 points, 8 assists, and 8 rebounds. It was Ashland’s 12th straight win before falling to Bowling Green.
Ashland Blazer also produced current Liberty point guard Colin Porter who helped guide the Flames to the 2025 CUSA regular season and tournament title. Porter and Carter played together for two seasons at Ashland. Now, the two former Tomcats will team up once again, this time playing for the Flames.
Carter is one of three freshmen that signed with Liberty back in November and will join the Flames this summer alongside 6’9″ F Adrew Grimes and 6’8″ F TJ Drain.
