Chickasha senior Ma’lek Murphy is a dual sport star on both the gridiron and hardwood for the Fightin’ Chicks.

For Murphy, success comes after years of hard work, dedication, and hours of training. Sports have always been a part of Murphy’s life and he appreciates everything that football and basketball has given to him.

“I started playing basketball at four or five and football around nine,” Murphy says. “I don’t really have a preference between the two because I’ve been playing them both for so long.”

One aspect that Murphy appreciates about both football and basketball is the brotherhood and bonds he is able to form with teammates. On the football field, Murphy is explosive out of the backfield and can make defenders miss with his quick feet and vision – he isn’t afraid to run someone over either. 

On the basketball court, he can sky for a rebound and sees the floor well when running in transition. Coaches say he has the size to play at the four, but the skill to play at the point and control the offense.

Murphy has noticed some benefits from playing both sports and how the two have impacted his ability in each. The physicality from football has helped Murphy’s aggression on the court and

his finesse on the court, in turn, helped him when running the ball out of the backfield.

“I think a skill that benefited in basketball is my ability to score and dribble with both hands,” Murphy said. “I mean I could probably dribble and score anyway, but football helped.”

As a two-sport star, Murphy has had a lot of memorable moments over the years, but one stands above the rest.

“Dunking on someone my freshman year in the Anadarko Tournament,” Murphy said. “That was also my first in-game dunk.”

After high school, Murphy plans to continue his academic and playing career at the collegiate level, although he’s not sure where just yet, as he’s waiting for scholarship offers before making a final decision.