Story by Gage Johnson
Sports Editor
gjohnson17@murraystate.edu
Story by Blake Sandlin
Interim Editor-in-Chief
bsandlin1@murraystate.edu
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On paper, Murray State’s matchup with Florida State on Saturday is just what it looks like – a mid-major school looking to upset yet another team to get to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in program history.
However, this game means a little bit more for two Racers from the Sunshine State.
Senior forward Brion Sanchious and sophomore guard Brion Whitley both reign from Florida—Sanchious coming Pompano Beach, while Whitley grew up in Sarasota.
For Whitley, the matchup will be reminiscent of the battles he had with Dillard High School and St. Andrews Christian School, as he faced off with two of the Seminoles in his time at Riverview High School. Add in the home state effect and the game means that much more to Whitley.
“It’s my home state,” Whitley said. “That’s pretty dope. I’ve got a lot of friends on the team, like Raiquan Gray, Anthony Pilot, I played against him in high school. So I know those two players; it’s real cool.”
During games, you can find Whitley powering the bench celebrations for the Racers, while giving an endless amount of energy on both ends of the floor when in the game. This being his second trip to the NCAA Tournament, Whitley is just trying to take in every single second of this incredible stage in his career.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Whitley said. “I’m glad I can contribute in some way, you know, I’m obviously a part of it. I’m never one for the spotlight; I don’t care if I’m playing 11 minutes or no minutes at all. I’m having a great time. You can probably see from the bench; I’m enjoying it and soaking in every minute of it because I know things like this only come once in a lifetime.”
While in high school, Sanchious was also a talented quarterback before deciding to play basketball at Murray State. Sanchious had interest from numerous schools like Florida, Oregon and Temple.
The Seminoles may have never come calling, but Sanchious grew up watching the program that is filled with rich football history.
“I grew up playing football, so I’ve always been a big fan of (Florida State Head Coach) Jimbo Fisher,” Sanchious said. “I always wanted to be coached under him if I was to play football. So I’ve always been a Florida State fan.”
Sanchious has ties to the school as a football fan, but he also faced off against Gray in high school on the hardwood. He is excited to play against Gray and see his development since last playing him, as well as the atmosphere that this game will have with all the aspects of his life in Florida. Not to mention a chance to move on to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in program history in his senior season.
“I just think it’s going to be a good matchup,” Sanchious said. “It’s going to be a fun matchup for me, just playing against a dude that I played against in high school. Just to see him grow and see that I’ve grown, it’s just going to be a great atmosphere for me.”