Fast Break

Former Riverview High boys basketball star Brion Whitley was named the BoxToRow Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Player of the Week on Jan. 30. Whitley, a guard at Southern University, averaged 23.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in the Jaguars’ two games last week, both wins.

In recent weeks, Riverview High has had Georgia football coach Kirby Smart Alabama coach Nick Saban Florida coach Billy Napier and Miami coach Mario Cristobal stop by its campus, among other big names. It is likely the coaching staff pitched multiple Rams players to these coaches, but five-star defensive back Charles Lester III remains the Rams’ biggest prize.

The Florida High School Athletic Association announced Monday that its 2023 track and field championships, held in May, will move to University of North Florida in Jacksonville after one year at University of Florida in Gainesville.

Sarasota High girls basketball freshman Paisley Binswanger continues to put up big numbers. She scored 21 points in the Sailors’ 73-61 win over North Port High on Tuesday.

Don’t forget about the inaugural NBP Paddling Classic, coming to Nathan Benderson Park on Feb. 4. It will see dragon boats compete in 200- and 500-meter races in various divisions, including a newly formed 18+ division. Food and beverage trucks will be on site. The event is free for spectators. For information visit NathanBendersonPark.org.

High school soccer district tournaments wrap up this week. One team to watch going forward: the Riverview High boys team. The Rams (8-2-6) upset Lakewood Ranch High in penalty kicks on Tuesday to advance to the district championship game against Gulf Coast High (8-2-4) at 7 p.m. Thursday.