Wallace State’s men’s basketball team defeated top-ranked Bishop State 85-81 in overtime on Saturday to win its first Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) Division I championship since 2014.

Freshman guard and tournament MVP Jimmie Williams (Cleveland, Ohio) ignited the team’s offense with 26 points. 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 contest.

In three tournament games, Williams scored 101 points, including a modern program-record 48 in the opener.

Sophomore PJ Eason (Dadeville) added a double-double for the Lions with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while freshman Arthur Johnson (Carrollton, Ga.) totaled 17 points, five rebounds and two assists in the victory. Sophomore Kelvin Turner (Cincinnati, Ohio) netted 12 points and freshman Jalen Carruth (Atlanta) narrowly missed out on his own double-double, recording 10 points and nine rebounds. 

Eason, Johnson and Turner joined Williams on the All-Tournament Team.

Wallace State (25-8) will now travel to Hutchinson, Kan. to play in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NCJAA) Division I men’s basketball championship. The tournament is set for March 24-30 at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

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Wallace State Women 

The Lady Lions suffered a heartbreaking loss to Shelton State, 60-58, on Saturday.

Sophomore Emariah Grant (Huntsville) led the charge with a strong 22-point, six-assist performance.

The rest of the team’s starters, including freshman Kallie Tinker (Pisgah), freshman Ella Collum (Cullman), sophomore Jaden Winfrey (Cullman) and freshman Nylaa Fuller (Huntsville) each delivered stellar efforts as well, showcasing their talent and determination alongside Grant.

Fuller notched 14 points and nine rebounds, while Collum (eight), Winfrey (four) and Tinker (three) also netted baskets for Wallace State. Grant and Fuller were named to the All-Tournament Team.

The Lions finished their season with a 26-6 record.

“Both teams played with a lot of heart today — and we are so proud of their seasons,” said Wallace State coach Allen Sharpe, who leads both programs. “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 the next level in Kansas later this month.”