The Junction, Illinois, community is mourning the loss of 18-year-old Mattix Sandifer, a beloved young man whose life was deeply rooted in basketball, friendship, and family.
A senior at Gallatin High School, Mattix stood tall at 6’2” and played as both guard and forward, proudly wearing jersey #1 for the Gallatin County basketball team. His dedication on the court was unmatched, not only for his school team but also for the Southern Illinois Select Basketball program, where he spent two years as part of their family.
Mattix’s talent took him to impressive heights — from winning an AAU World Championship in 2022 to securing a Reebok World Championship in 2023. His coaches and teammates recall him as the ultimate team player, someone who put the success of the group above his own personal statistics. He never missed a single game or tournament, showing up not just with skill, but with an unshakable commitment and a positive spirit that lifted everyone around him.
Off the court, Mattix was cherished as a brother, son, and friend. His sister, Kali Wagers, shared heartfelt words during the desperate search to locate him, asking the community for prayers and support. That love from family and friends reflected the kind of person Mattix was — compassionate, humble, and deeply connected to those he cared about.
The Southern Illinois Select family described him as a popular teammate and a joy to be around, someone who continued to inspire even after joining Riley and Sam’s team at SIC this past fall. His absence leaves a void not just in the sports world, but in the hearts of all who knew him.
Mattix’s legacy will live on through the memories of every game played, every laugh shared, and every friendship formed. His time with us was far too short, but the impact he made will never fade.