Basketball thrives on its next-man-up mentality, and Long Island Lutheran (LuHi) demonstrated that perfectly when Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, was sidelined due to injury. In his absence, 6’5 junior Dylan Mingo seized the moment, emerging as the team’s savior and proving that LuHi’s dominance isn’t tied to one player.

Kiyan Anthony’s injury was a blow not only to LuHi but also to fans eagerly anticipating a star-studded matchup. Hence ever since Recruit News shared, “BREAKING: Kiyan Anthony is OUT tonight against Sierra Canyon due to injury. Return is TBD. Get well soon 🫡.” With Anthony sidelined, LuHi needed someone to step up for the subsequent games.

That someone was Dylan Mingo, wearing jersey No. 26. In a commanding display, Mingo stepped up and delivered when it mattered most. According to an X post by ELITE High School Scouting, “FINAL @LuHiBasketball 74 @WALionsBasketb1 47. 5⭐️ ‘26 Dylan Mingo set an aggressive tone at 8AM en route to an easy 21pts (3’s).”

Mingo’s performance was nothing short of electrifying during LuHi’s recent game vs the Westminister Lions. and this is not the first time, Facing Gateway Charter, where he amassed 30 points on a remarkable 12-of-15 shooting, including five three-pointers.

Against the Lions, “Mingo’s ability to control the game on both ends of the floor is unmatched,” LuHi’s head coach remarked after the game. His dominance extended beyond individual statistics, elevating the entire team as they rolled to a 74-47 victory over Westminster Academy in a subsequent game.

LuHi’s contest against Westminster was a masterclass in teamwork and tactical brilliance. Senior Kayden Mingo opened the scoring with a floater, and LuHi quickly established dominance with a 10-0 run fueled by Dylan Mingo and 6’11 junior Omar Essam. While Westminster briefly rallied in the third quarter, Mingo and his teammates responded with an emphatic 9-2 run, highlighted by M.J. Madison’s transition dunk.

The rest was history when Dylan Mingo led the way with 21 points, while Kayden Mingo added 15. Essam and Moussa Kamissoko chipped in 10 points each, emphasizing the team’s balanced attack. As Kiyan Anthony focuses on recovery, Mingo’s rise has been a revelation. The junior guard has not only filled the void but also set a new standard for excellence at LuHi. With Anthony expected to return soon, the prospect of these two young stars sharing the court is tantalizing.

LuHi’s resilience and depth ensure they remain a formidable force, with Dylan Mingo leading the charge in the absence of a legacy name. For now, the stage belongs to him, and he’s seizing it with both hands. Yet, even as Mingo shines, the shadow of Kiyan Anthony looms large.

Legacy in progress: Kiyan Anthony’s path to Syracuse amid setbacks

Kiyan Anthony’s senior year was meant to be a pivotal chapter in his journey toward Syracuse University, where he plans to follow in his father’s footsteps. Carmelo Anthony himself offered words of wisdom to his son during his college decision-making process, “So my message to him was, don’t be afraid of it. Embrace it… You have an opportunity to carve out a whole fanbase.”

Despite this temporary setback, Kiyan’s future remains bright. His commitment to Syracuse is a nod to the legacy his father built when he led the Orange to their first NCAA Championship in 2003. At 6-foot-4, Kiyan has shown his own promise as a sharp-shooting guard, averaging 19.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in the EYBL last summer.

As Kiyan works toward recovery, LuHi has proven it is a team greater than any one player. The leadership on the court, alongside contributions from Kayden Mingo and Maxx Tjongondjoza, has kept the Crusaders competitive. The team’s success in high-pressure games underscores their depth and resilience.

While Kiyan’s absence is felt, Dylan Mingo’s rise ensures that LuHi continues to shine. His performances aren’t just about filling the void—they’re about carving a legacy of his own.