SPORTS LEDGER Established 2006 The May 2026 Page 1B Read More Online at www.thesportsledger.com Mustangs win first ACCC Tournament title
The latest chapter in Northeast Alabama Community College softball team's storybook second season now includes a storybook ending to the program's first Alabama Community College Conference Division I Softball Tournament appearance. Sophomore Francesca Lumpp hit a game-winning, walk-off two-run home run to lift the top-seeded and No. 3-nationally ranked Mustangs to a 4-2, eight-inning championship game win over second-seeded and No. 9-ranked Wallace State at Veterans Park in Alabaster. NACC players poured out of the dugout at the sound of Lumpp's bat making contact on what was a no-doubt a homerun "It's the best feeling ever to do something for your team like this," Lumpp said. Northeast Alabama has now added an ACCC Tournament/National Junior College Athletic Association Region 22 crown to a growing list of accomplishments and firsts during the program's second season of existence. The championship also gave the Mustangs the conference/region's automatic berth in the NJCAA Division I Softball World Series, which is May 25-31 at Choccolocco Park in Oxford. "We're not done yet — we've got another goal, the national championship. But this is pretty special," said NACC head coach Joe Guthrie. "Especially it being our second year and the league being as good as I've ever seen it. To my knowledge, I don't believe we've ever had a year that every team won a game in (the tournament). It speaks to what kind of league we had. I'm really happy we finished on top. Give the credit to our players, the coaches, administration. Having three ex-NCAA Division I coaches on our staff at a junior college, that's a testament to (NACC president) Dr. (David) Campbell and everyone that's supported us. It's a really good place to be." NACC (51-4) finished 3-0 in the tournament. After defeating fourth-seeded Gadsden State 8-3, the Mustangs won back-to-back thrillers against Wallace State.
Submitted Photo
ACCC Softball Champions Northeast Alabama Community College softball players receive the ACCC Tournament championship trophy following a 4-2, extra-inning championship game victory. BJ Holloway Named New Guntersville Baseball Coach
Guntersville City Schools has hired BJ Holloway as the Wildcat’s new Varsity Baseball Coach. “We are excited to welcome BJ Holloway to Guntersville High School as our next head baseball coach,” said Dr. Brad Cooper, Superintendent of Guntersville City Schools. Coach Holloway comes to Guntersville with an extensive background in collegiate baseball, most recently serving on the coaching staff at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. During his time with the UAH Chargers Baseball program, Holloway served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, helping lead the program in player development, recruiting, offensive instruction, and defensive development. “Throughout the process, Coach Holloway’s genuine desire to be at Guntersville, grow our baseball program, and support our student athletes set him apart. His experience at UAH, passion for developing young Guntersville City Schools has hired Jeremiah Haynes as the new Varsity Girls Basketball Coach at Guntersville High School. Coach Haynes comes to Guntersville following a highly successful tenure at North Sand Mountain High School, where he recently led his program to a AHSAA Class 2A state championship. Known for his strong leadership, disciplined approach, and commitment to player development, Haynes has built a reputation for developing competitive teams while investing in the growth of his student- athletes both on and off the court. “During our search, it became evident that Coach Haynes’ knowledge, work ethic, and genuine desire to be a Wildcat set him apart,” said Dr. Brad Cooper, Superintendent of Guntersville City Schools. “We were intentional about finding someone who will truly invest in our student-athletes, our program, and this community, from our youth programs all the way through the varsity level. Coach Haynes has proven he can build a championship program, and we’re excited about the stability, leadership, and vision he brings to our
people, and commitment to building relationships will be a tremendous asset to our school and community. We look forward to the future of Wildcat baseball under his leadership” added Dr. Cooper. Holloway has spent more than a decade coaching at the collegiate level and has been part of successful programs both at UAH and previously at Whitman College. Throughout his career, he has developed a reputation for building strong relationships with players, emphasizing fundamentals, and helping student-athletes grow both on and off the field. As head coach, Holloway will oversee all aspects of the Guntersville High School baseball program while also working to build consistency and development across all levels of Wildcat baseball. His experience in recruiting, skill development, and program building is expected to bring strong leadership and long-term stability to the program. girls basketball program.” “I’m excited to welcome Coach Haynes to Guntersville High School,” said Coach Brett Self, Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach. “I’m looking forward to the energy, leadership, and success he’ll bring to our girls basketball program!” Haynes’ coaching philosophy emphasizes fundamentals, accountability, and a team-first mindset. His experience building a championship-caliber program aligns with Guntersville’s commitment to excellence in athletics and student development. As Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, Haynes will lead all aspects of the program, while also working to strengthen alignment from youth and middle school programs through the high school level. His focus on consistency and long-term development is expected to have a lasting impact on the future of Guntersville girls basketball. Haynes also believes in a strong defense. After leading NSM to a 41-28 state title over Cold Springs this past March, he said that guarding and rebounding are two things that give you a "chance to win."
Photo Courtesy of UA Athletics NCAA REGIONAL CHAMPIONS Alabama's Jena Young (4) gets a congratulations from Crimson Tide Head Coach Patrick Murphy while rounding the bases against SC Upstate in the NCAA Regional Tournament at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Alabama won the game 9-0 to advance to the Super Regional. The win marked Alabama's third shutout of the tournament. The Crimson Tide opened the weekend with a 3-0 victory over SC upstate. In game two, Alabama earned a 3-0 victory over Belmont. Read About Our Ledger Leaders Inside this issue!
Haynes To Lead Guntersville Girls Basketball Program
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