C-N’s Sanders, L-R’s Culler Earn First SAC Basketball Weekly Awards

ROCK HILL, S.C. - The SAC basketball season is officially underway, and after each posting strong numbers over the weekend, Carson-Newman's Ishmael Sanders and Lenoir-Rhyne's Whitley Culler have been named the conference's Players of the Week.

[RELATED: SAC Basketball Weekly Release]

Sanders led Carson-Newman to a 1-1 performance at the SAC/Conference Carolinas Challenge, averaging 24.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in the two games.

In the Eagles' win over Erskine, Sanders scored 26, including the go-ahead three-pointer with 10 seconds remaining in overtime. He then had a steal-and-score on Erskine's ensuing possession, clinching the victory.

Sanders also netted 23 points -- including five three-pointers -- in C-N's loss to King.

Culler, meanwhile, led Lenoir-Rhyne to a perfect 2-0 start to its season, averaging 21 points and 12 rebounds. She opened the season with 15 points and 13 rebounds in L-R's overtime win against Pfeiffer.

Culler followed that up with an outstanding 27 point, 11 rebound performance against Limestone in which she shot 12-of-15 from the field. The 27 points set a new career high.

SAC Basketball Players of the Week - Nov. 14

Men's
Ishmael Sanders, Carson-Newman
So. | G | Cleveland, Tenn.

Women's
Whitley Culler, Lenoir-Rhyne
Jr. | G | Mount Airy, N.C.