HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College’s Men’s Basketball team defeated #1 ranked Bishop State Saturday night to win their first Alabama Community College Conference championship since 2014. The Lions defeated the Wildcats 81-85 in overtime.
Leading the charge for Wallace State freshman guard and tournament MVP Jimmie Williams of Cleveland, Ohio, whose offensive firepower ignited the team’s scoring efforts with 26 points for the game. Williams’ sharpshooting from beyond the arc, combined with his ability to drive to the basket and draw fouls, kept the opposing defense on its heels throughout the game. Over three games played in the tournament, Williams scored 101 points, including 48 in the tournament opener, a modern record for the Lions.
Also contributing to the win was PJ Eason, a sophomore center from Dadeville, Ala., who delivered a stellar performance with a double-double, scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds. Aurthur Johnson, a freshman guard from Carrollton, Ga., scored 17 points in the game and pulled down five rebounds and two assists. Kelvin Turner, a sophomore guard from Cincinnati, Ohio, scored 12 points. Freshman guard Jalen Carruth of Atlanta, Ga., scored 10 points and pulled down 9 rebounds.
All-Tournament awards were presented to Eason, Johnson and Turner.
The men will now travel to Hutchinson, Kan., to compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, March 24-30 at Hutchinson Sports Arenal.
Their record for the season so far is 25-8 overall and 8-6 in the conference.
Women’s Basketball Finish Runner-Up
The men’s win followed a nail-biting, two-point loss for the Lady Lions to the Shelton State’s Buccaneers, 58-60.
Sophomore guard Emariah Grant of Huntsville, led the charge with an outstanding display, recording an impressive 22 points and six assists.
The team’s starters, including freshman guard Kallie Tinker, of Pisgah; freshman forward Ella Collum, of Cullman; sophomore guard Jaden Winfrey, of Cullman; and freshman guard Nylaa Fuller, of Huntsville; delivered stellar performances, showcasing their talent and determination.
Fuller scored 14 points and pulled down 9 rebounds. Collum, Winfrey and Tinker scored 8, 4 and 3 points, respectively.
Grant and Fuller were each named to the All-Tournament team.
The women finished the season with an overall record of 26-6 and a conference record of 11-3.
“Both teams played with a lot of heart today and we are so proud of their seasons,” said Coach Allen Sharpe, who leads both the men’s and women’s teams. “This was a big win for our men’s team. We played like we are capable of playing against a very good Bishop State team. We’re looking forward to taking this team to compete at next level in Kansas later this month.”
