HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Wallace State Community College athletics has had six sophomores sign letters of intent with four-year programs over the past week.
Men’s basketball
Men’s basketball’s Markise Davis inked with Arkansas State out of the Sun Belt Conference.
Davis, a 6-foot-8 Oxford native, is currently averaging 8.6 points and 6.1 rebounds for the Lions (5-2), heading into Saturday’s home game vs. Wallace Community College – Selma. He initially generated interest from the Red Wolves during last summer’s JUCO showcase at Tom Drake Coliseum.
“Signing with Arkansas State is definitely a blessing. It’s great to know where the third chapter of my basketball career will take place and great that Arkansas State believes in me,” Davis said. “I’m much more confident as a collegiate player this season.”
Davis was a significant piece off the bench for Wallace State’s ACCC North Division-winning team last season and was among the sophomores to stick with the program during a summer coaching transition.
“We’re definitely excited for Markise. I know he’s glad to get this crossed off quickly, so he can focus on his sophomore season with us. I’m happy he’s found a good landing spot. It’s a good level for his skills set and for him to develop his career,” said Wallace State coach Collin Dimitroff.
With Davis signing with Arkansas State, it marks the 16th straight year that a Wallace State men’s basketball player has signed to transfer to a Division I program.
Davis has two high school teammates from Oxford with him on the Lions this season – freshman Eugene Leonard and sophomore transfer Kendrick Foster.
Baseball
Wallace State baseball’s Jerry Dale Bowman signed with Troy University and outfielder/first baseman Brennan McCullough hooked on with Murray State. Drew Talley, a pitcher, signed with Mississippi State.
Bowman served as Wallace State baseball’s ace last season, and he’ll look to do the same at Troy University after signing with the Trojans.
Bowman, a Smiths Station native, went 8-1 with a 2.28 ERA for Wallace State as a freshman, striking out 55 batters and walking only 17 in 67 innings pitched. He earned All-Southeastern District Team recognition, was an ACCC Gold Glove recipient and was also an ACCC All-North Division team selection.
McCullough signed with Murray State after hitting .317 with a homer and 26 RBIs for Wallace State last season. McCullough, an Oxford native, was third on the team in RBIs and with 39 hits. The Murray State Racers compete in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Talley has hooked on with the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Talley, a Huntsville native, will make his Wallace State debut in 2020 after transferring from the University of Memphis.
Softball
Wallace State softball’s Addie Robinson has signed with Jacksonville State.
Robinson, a Handley native, was the 2019 ACCC/Region 22 Player of the Year as a freshman, posting a .396 average with a team-high 12 homers and 80 RBIs. Her single-season RBI total was among the top in school history, and she added 15 doubles and 41 runs scored.
“Addie deserves all of the good that is coming her way. She’s a hometown kid with a great attitude and excellent worth ethic. She’s going to be a difference maker at Jacksonville State as a teammate and as a person,” said softball coach A.J. Daugherty. “Even though she was ACCC Player of the Year last year, I think Addie is poised to have an even bigger, better and louder sophomore season.”
On Jacksonville State’s coach staff is Sallie Beth Burch, a former assistant at Wallace State and national champion with the Lions.
Men’s Golf
Carter Goodwin will golf for Appalachian State beginning with Fall 2020 season.
Goodwin, a Spain Park graduate, has tallied six Top 10 finishes during his Wallace State career and was among the golfers to help the program finish ninth nationally last spring at the NJCAA Division I National Championships.
Goodwin began the fall season by making the All-Tournament team in the Dan York Memorial Tournament, placing third overall.
Like Arkansas State, Appalachian State competes in the Sun Belt Conference.
For more information about Wallace State athletics, visit www.athletics.wallacestate.edu or the athletics Facebook page at www.wallacestate.edu/athleticsfb.
