Cedar Rapids Kennedy senior A.J. Carter is the winner of the Metro Spotlight Award for high school boys this week, the Metro Sports Report announced Sunday.

Carter is the point guard for the Kennedy basketball, which has gotten off to an 8-2 start this season. He played one of the best games of his career last Tuesday when the Cougars defeated Xavier, 85-76, in a Mississippi Valley Conference game at Xavier.

Carter collected 26 points, seven assists, four rebounds and four steals against the Saints. He made 10 of 15 shots from the field, including a 3-pointer.

Carter is averaging 14.5 points, 4.5 assists, four rebounds two steals. He was also a prominent member of the Kennedy football team that made the Class 4A playoffs.

Here is our Question-&-Answer exchange with A.J. Carter.

MSR: What is your favorite individual highlight in sports?

A.J.: Getting my first high school dunk.

MSR: What is your favorite team highlight in sports?

A.J.: How excited my team was during the Xavier game last week.

MSR: Who has had the biggest influence on your sports career?

A.J.: My family.

MSR: What are your future goals in sports?

A.J.: To play college basketball at a high level.

MSR: What are your favorite classes in school?

A.J.: Government and performance PE.

MSR: What has been your favorite community service project?

A.J.: Ringing the bells for The Salvation Army (as part of the Metro Sports Report Classic).