HUNTSVILLE — Wallace State Community College’s basketball teams swept the Alabama Community College Conference Division I Tournament championships Saturday.
The tournament was played at Spragins Hall on the University of Alabama in Huntsville campus.
The second-seeded Wallace State women opened the day with a 49-46 victory over top-ranked Shelton State, and the Wallace State men capped the sweep with a 98-90 triumph.
Both teams will participate in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I National Championships.
It’s the first time in Wallace State history both programs have won the ACCC Tournament title in the same season.
The Lady Lions won their first tournament championship since 2011, and the men’s program earned its second straight championship and fifth since 2010.
Wallace State 49, Shelton State 46 (women)
The Lady Lions (28-4) avenged a pair of regular-season losses to Shelton State, winning their sixth straight game under first-year coach Joseph Simmons.
Tournament MVP Idaysia Mercer scored a game-high 17 points and added four assists for Wallace State. Kallie Tinker scored 11 points and Kameron Sanders added 10.
Makala Hobdy and Alana Obioanozie led Shelton State with 15 points apiece. Lameria Thomas contributed eight points and 13 rebounds.
Shelton State, the regular season champion, was seeking its 10th straight conference tournament title. The Lady Bucs ended the season with a 28-4 record.
Wallace State advances to play in the NJCAA Division I National Championship in Casper, Wyo., on March 25-April 1.
Wallace State 98, Southern Union 90 (men)
Top-seeded Wallace State (26-5) scored 98 points for the second consecutive game, outlasting Southern Union for the conference title.
Wallace State’s men, winners of eight straight, had four players finish with double figures: Authur Johnson scored 28 points and had six assists, Christian Thompson finished with a double-double, registering 22 points and 19 rebounds, Antonio Cochran scored 20 points and Kendarius Anderson added 17 for the Lions, who average 96 points per game.
Southern Union, the No. 2 seed, was led by Isaiah Dennis’ 32 points.
Tajiden Davis finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds and Prince Mensah scored 15 points. The Bison closed the season at 19-13.
Wallace State, led by first-year coach Faron Key, advances to the NJCAA Division I National Championship to be held in Hutchinson, Kan., on March 22-29.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
