Lions Basketball Clinch Regular Season Title
The Wallace State Community College men's basketball team clinched the 2024-2025 Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) regular season title at home this week with a commanding 108-74 victory over Coastal Alabama-South. The women's team also celebrated a decisive win, defeating Coastal Alabama 84-50.
The reigning ACCC Champions, the Lions came out strong, leading 55-34 at halftime. Key players included sophomore Antonio Cochran of Columbus, Ga., who was nearly perfect from the field, scoring 23 points on 9-10 shooting, including 5-5 from beyond the arc. Sophomore Authur Johnson of Carrollton, Ga., also contributed significantly with 19 points and 6 rebounds.
The Lions maintained their momentum in the second half, outscoring the Coyotes 53-40. Sophomore Christian Thompson of Birmingham was a force on the boards, grabbing 10 rebounds and adding 11 points. Sophomore Josh Paige of Eufaula facilitated the offense with 8 assists, while freshman Sawyer Griffin of Huntsville added 16 points.
Wallace State's shooting was impressive, hitting 53.9 percent from the field and 46.5 percent from three-point range. They also shared the ball well, recording 24 assists as a team. Their defense was solid, forcing 12 turnovers and grabbing 9 steals.
Lady Lions Defeat Coastal Alabama-South 84-50
Wallace State set the tone early, leading 22-12 after the first quarter and extending their lead to 46-25 by halftime. Sophomore Kallie Tinker of Pisgah led the Lady Lions, scoring 20 points, including six three-pointers. Freshman Kameron Sanders of Birmingham contributed significantly with 16 points and 5 rebounds.
The Lady Lions continued their dominance in the third quarter, outscoring Coastal Alabama 20-6. Despite a stronger fourth quarter from Coastal Alabama, Wallace State maintained their lead, finishing the game with an 84-50 victory. Freshman Sinaya Gibson of Tuscaloosa added 13 points and 6 rebounds, while freshman Idaysia Mercer of Jasper led the team with 6 assists.
Wallace State's defense was solid, limiting Coastal Alabama to just 39.2 percent shooting from the field. The Lady Lions also excelled in rebounding, grabbing 37 boards compared to Coastal Alabama's 29. Their three-point shooting was a highlight, with the team hitting 14 of 37 attempts.
The Lions and Lady Lions will play their last regular season game Thursday, Feb. 27 at Lawson State Community College, before competing in the ACCC Division I tournament, which will be held March 6-8 at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.