Let's take a look back at some 40+ years of Memphis college sports history in this Saluqis Hall of Fame. These inductees represent the first Shelby State teams of the early 1970's and 80's. We are proud to honor these outstanding athletes and coaches.

Fifth Hall of Fame (2025)

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 

Steve Ballard (men's basketball, 1985-87) 

Steve Ballard played for the Shelby State Community College from 1985-1987, leading  Saluqis to 44 wins in his two seasons. He averaged a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds per game and also led the team with six blocks per game. He then played two seasons at Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis), scoring 285 points and grabbing 374 rebounds while starting in 58 games. After graduating from the U of M, Ballard went on earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center: College of Dentistry in 1993. He is a member of the National Dental Association and the Shelby County Dental Society. In addition, Ballard is actively involved in community and church events, including volunteering for Loving Memphis, the South Africa Outreach Mission, and a U.S. Army Reserve. He is an active member of the admissions committee and on the University of Tennessee Dental School faculty.

HALL OF FAME BIOS 

Lorico Duncan (men's basketball, 1996-98)

Lorico Duncan played for the Saluqis from 1996-98 and is currently the program’s 5th all-time leading scorer with 1,240 points. A first team NJCAA All-American his sophomore season, Duncan was also a two-time All-TCCAA and All-TCCAA West Division honoree and as a sophomore was selected All-Region VII and voted the TCCAA and TCCAA West Division Player of the Year. He averaged 24.1 points per game and set school records with 845 points and 165 steals while leading the Saluqis to a 27-8 record, the Region VII championship, and runner-up in the NJCAA National Tournament during the 1997-98 season. Duncan went on to play at Kentucky Wesleyan University, where he was a two-time All-American, two-time NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player, two-time All-Great Lakes Valley Conference, and a starter on Kentucky Wesleyan’s 2001 NCAA Division 2 national championship team. Following his collegiate career, Duncan played professionally in Mexico.
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John Grice (men's basketball, 1998-2000)

John Grice played for the Saluqis from 1998-2000 and is currently the program’s 6th all-time leading scorer with 1,154 points. Grice was named third team NJCAA All-American as a freshman then followed that with first team NJCAA All-American recognition his sophomore season, becoming the college’s first two-time All-American. As a sophomore during the 1999-2000 season, he was named All-Region VII, TCCAA West Division Player of the Year, and TCCAA Player of the Year.  Grice led the Saluqis to a 31-5 record, the Region VII championship, and a third-place finish in the NJCAA National Tournament, where he averaged 25 points per game (including 41 points and 15 rebounds in the 3rd place game) and was named to the All-Tournament team. Grice went on to play at the University of Memphis from 2000-2003, where he averaged 11.5 points per game his senior season and helped lead the Tigers to a national ranking and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Following his collegiate career, Grice played for the San Antonio Spurs summer league team and also professionally in the American Basketball Association.

Lester Hudson (men's basketball, 2004-06)

 
Lester Hudson played at Southwest from 2004-2006 and as a sophomore he led the Saluqis to a 24-5 record, the Region VII Championship, and a berth in the NJCAA National Tournament. His honors include honorable mention NJCAA All-American, first team All-TCCAA, TCCAA Player of the Year, All-Region VII Tournament, and Region VII Tournament Most Valuable Player. He went on to play at the University of Tennessee-Martin, where he was selected the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year twice and became the first UT-Martin player to garner All-American status. Hudson was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 58th overall pick of the 2009 NBA Draft and played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Clippers. Hudson continued his basketball career in the Chinese Basketball Association where he received All-League, All-Star Team, and League MVP honors multiple times. 

Amie Williams (women's basketball, 1999-2001)

Amie Williams is the first Saluqi Hall of Famer to have played both at Shelby State and Southwest. In her freshman season (at Shelby State, 1999-2000), Williams averaged 20.9 points and 11.6 rebounds per game and was named second team NJCAA All-American, the TCCAA West Division Player of the Year and TCCAA Player of the Year. As a sophomore in Southwest’s first season (2000-01), Williams averaged 17.8 points and 12.4 rebounds per game and led the Lady Saluqis to the Region VII championship and a berth in the NJCAA National Tournament. She was selected first team NJCAA All-American, TCCAA West Division Player of the Year, and TCCAA Player of the Year. Williams is the Lady Saluqis’ third all-time leading scorer with 1,102 points in her career. She went on to play at Jackson State University, where she was a two-time All-SWAC performer and SWAC Player of the Year as a senior. 

Ashley Shields (women's basketball, 2006-07) 

Ashley Shields played only one season at Southwest (2006-07) but it was a spectacular one! She led the NJCAA in scoring with a 27.4 average and also ranked among national leaders in rebounds (11.3 per game), assists (6.6 per game) and steals (4.1 per game). Shields scored an NJCAA single game record 65 points against Cleveland State in the semifinals of the Region VII Tournament. Among her many honors were WBCA/Kodak All-American, NJCAA First Team All-American, TCCAA West Division Player of the Year, and TCCAA Player of the Year. Shields was chosen in the first round as the eighth overall pick in the 2007 WNBA draft by the Houston Comets, becoming the first Southwest player and first junior college player ever drafted. After playing for the Comets during the 2007 season, Shields played in 2008 for the WNBA champion Detroit Shock. 

Johnie Sanfratello (baseball, 1994-95)

Johnie Sanfratello played for the Saluqis during the 1994 and 1995 seasons, earning All-TCCAA West Division, All-TCCAA and honorable mention NJCAA All-American honors as a sophomore. Sanfratello holds the Saluqis’ career records with a .420 batting average and .517 on-base average and also ranks among the program’s all-time leaders with 36 stolen bases. As a sophomore, he led the team with a .451 batting average, .541 on-base average, and 73 hits, ranking him among the single season leaders in each category. Sanfratello went on to play two seasons at the University of Tennessee-Martin, leading the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll both years and was awarded the H. Kirk Grantham Memorial Award. Sanfratello is currently head softball coach and athletic director at Tipton-Rosemark Academy. He has compiled a 332-159-5 record and has guided his TRA softball teams to the state tournament 11 times including the state championship in 2014.

Nick Smith (baseball, 2003-04)

Nick Smith played at Southwest during the 2003 and 2004 seasons, leading the Saluqis’ baseball team to the Region VII Tournament championship in 2004 and making the All-Tournament team. As a sophomore, Smith was named first team All-TCCAA, third team NJCAA All-American and All-East Central District, leading the team with a .437 batting average with 11 home runs and setting school records with 86 hits, 31 doubles, 77 runs batted in, 152 total bases. A two-time All-TCCAA selection, Smith set Saluqis’ career records with 142 hits, 46 doubles, 20 home runs, 131 runs batted in, 254 total bases, and a .495 on-base average. Smith went on to play at NCAA Division 1 Troy University, where he was one of his team’s top hitters both years, hitting 21 home runs and driving in 89 in his two-year career. He also earned all-conference honors and led Troy to the 2006 Regionals at Alabama.

Amber Hayes (softball, 2009)

Amber Hayes played just one season for the Lady Saluqis after transferring from the University of Tennessee-Martin but in that one season she set school records that still stand. Hayes led the entire conference with 17 home runs (still a Southwest record), six triples, and a .914 slugging average (also still a Southwest record.) She was named first team All-TCCAA, the first Southwest player to voted first team by the coaches, and was selected Southwest softball’s first ever NJCAA Player of the Week after hitting five home runs in two days against North Arkansas. In addition, Hayes received the TCCAA’s Academic Achievement Award and was named to the NJCAA’s Academic All-American team. She went on to play at Union University where she was a two-time All-TranSouth Conference selection , TranSouth Conference Player of the Year, and NAIA All-American.

Alex Turner (softball, 2014-15) 

In her two seasons at Southwest, Alex Turner broke nearly every Lady Saluqis’ career softball record including 103 runs scored, 33 doubles, 22 home runs, and 243 total bases, all of which still stand. As a freshman, Turner had a .401 batting average with 15 home runs and was voted first team All-TCCAA then in between her freshman and sophomore seasons, Turner played for the NJCAA All-Stars in the Canadian Open Fastpitch Tournament in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. As a sophomore, Turner was named second team All-TCCAA, becoming only the fifth two-time all-conference honoree in the program’s history then went on to play at Bethel University, where she was a two-time member of the Southern States Athletic Conference All-Conference team. 

Fourth Hall of Fame (2024) 

Andrea Martre (Women's Basketball player, 1985-87; Women's Basketball Coach, 1996-present)

Andrea Martre, a standout women's basketball player in the 1980s at Shelby State (now Southwest Tennessee Community College). As a player, she helped lead the Lady Saluqis to a 27-5 record and a national tournament appearance in 1986-87, and her record of 184 career steals still stands. After Shelby State, Martre transferred to Edinboro University, where she was a standout guard and set a school and state record with 238 assists in a single season (1990). In recognition of her contributions, she was named to Edinboro’s All-Time Women’s Basketball Team in June 2007.

As a coach at Southwest, Martre has continued her legacy of excellence, compiling a 408-307 record. Her leadership transformed the Lady Saluqis into one of the most hard-working and tenacious teams, not just in Tennessee, but nationally. Under her guidance, the team achieved a remarkable 25-1 record and a No. 4 national ranking in 2007-08, after going 26-2 with a No. 13 ranking in 2006-07. In 2000-01, Coach Martre led the Lady Saluqis to a 22-9 record and a trip to the NJCAA Tournament, marking the team's first national tournament appearance since 1990.

Throughout her career, Martre has been named TCCAA Coach of the Year three times and Region VII Coach of the Year once. She has coached six NJCAA All-Americans, seven NJCAA Academic All-Americans, and 44 All-TCCAA players. Additionally, 34 of her players have earned All-West Division honors. Over 85 percent of her players have earned degrees from Southwest or transferred to four-year institutions, exemplifying her dedication to developing student-athletes both on and off the court.

A native of Memphis and a 1985 graduate of Fairley High School, where she was team MVP and all-district, Martre is known for her intricate system of play and her commitment to her players' success. She remains deeply connected to her former players, serving as a bridge between generations. Many of her former players credit her as the glue that keeps them connected to each other and to the College. Her leadership and support have played a vital role in preserving the camaraderie and loyalty within the Southwest Tennessee Community College basketball community. 

Brian Bramlett (Baseball, 1991-92)

Brian Bramlett is undoubtedly one of the top pitchers in the history of Saluqi baseball. During his standout career, he won 17 games, including 11 victories as a sophomore, both of which rank in the top three on the Saluqi' single-season and career charts. In 1992, Bramlett earned numerous accolades, including TCCAA West Division Player of the Year, First Team All-TCCAA, Team Most Valuable Player, and a nomination for NJCAA All-American. He made history by throwing no-hitters against Volunteer State and Aquinas during his sophomore season, leading the Saluqi to the Western Division championship under Hall of Fame Coach John Jarnagin. He is also among the Saluqi all-time leaders in single-season complete games and career innings pitched.

After his successful Saluqi career, Bramlett went on to play at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. As a junior at Union in 1993, he won 10 games and was named the team's Most Valuable Pitcher. He graduated from Union in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education and began a long and impactful career in coaching and teaching at Stewart County High School in Dover, Tennessee. Over the past 28 years, Bramlett has continued to shape young athletes' lives, and in 2018, he served as the pitching coach for the Stewart County baseball team that made its first-ever appearance in the state tournament.

Verties Sails, Jr. (Men's Basketball Coach/Athletic Director, 1979-2012)

Verties Sails, Jr., a Tennessee native born in Rosemark in 1942, is a legendary figure in basketball coaching with deep roots in Memphis. After graduating from Woodstock High School and LeMoyne-Owen College, he earned his master’s degree in education from Memphis State University in 1967. His coaching career began at Melrose High School in Memphis, where he compiled an impressive 132-35 record. In 1974, he led the Golden Wildcats to a historic Tennessee State Championship, finishing the season undefeated (35-0)—a feat that remains unmatched by any Memphis team. Sails was twice honored as High School Coach of the Year (1970 and 1974).

After serving as an assistant coach at Memphis State University for five years, Sails became the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Shelby State (now Southwest Tennessee Community College) in 1979. Over 33 remarkable seasons, he built a powerhouse program, amassing a 709-276 record with a .720 winning percentage. His teams won 20 West Division titles, 16 TJCCAA State Championships, 11 Region VII Championships, and made multiple appearances in the National Tournament.

In addition to his coaching legacy, Coach Sails is a prominent figure in the Memphis community. He served on the Board of Directors for Dixie Homes Boys Club, Special Olympics, and the Memphis Park Board. He was actively involved with Leadership Memphis, the Heart Fund, and the Memphis and Shelby County Sports Authority. Notably, he was honored as one of President George Bush’s “Thousand Points of Light” for his community service. Sails also hosted a sports radio show from 1976 until 1997.

Coach Sails' numerous accolades include being named NJCAA Region VII Coach of the Year 11 times, Tennessee Junior and Community College Athletic Association’s Coach of the Year 12 times and “Sportsman of the Year” by the Commercial Appeal in 1999. He was inducted into the TJCCAA Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 and the National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2004. In 2012, after 33 years of dedicated coaching at Southwest Tennessee Community College, Sails retired, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and community leadership. 

Michael Wilson (Men's Basketball, 1991-93)

Michael Wilson, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, had a remarkable career at Shelby State (now Southwest Tennessee Community College), where his athleticism and skill earned him recognition as:

• All-TCCAA (1992-93 season)
• All-Region (1992-93)
• 2nd all-time in highest field goal percentage (.705 on 256/363) during the 1991-92 season

Wilson led the Saluqis to a 22-8 record, securing both the West Division and TCCAA championships in the 1992-93 season. He continued his basketball journey at the University of Memphis, where he starred in the 1995 and 1996 NCAA Tournaments.

Known for his jaw-dropping 52-inch vertical leap, Wilson holds the world record for the highest dunk at 12 feet, a feat he achieved on April 1, 2000, during Final Four Weekend. This extraordinary achievement is immortalized in an exhibit at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

From 1996 to 2005, Wilson thrilled audiences as a member of the Harlem Globetrotters, traveling to nearly 60 countries and wowing fans with his incredible dunks. He also became a two-time slam dunk champion at the NABC College All-Star Game.

Currently residing in Washington, D.C., with his wife and three children, Wilson works as a Recreation Specialist for the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation. In recognition of his outstanding career, he was honored as a "Legends" recipient at the FedEx Forum in Memphis on January 18, 2019, becoming just the 30th person to receive this distinction.

Myquita Mackey (Women's Basketball, 1997-99)

Myquita Mackey, a standout athlete during her time at Shelby State (now Southwest Tennessee Community College), made a lasting impact on the basketball court. Known for her scoring prowess and rebounding ability, she earned numerous accolades, including:

• NJCAA First Team All-American (1998-99)
• NJCAA Second Team All-American (1997-98)
• TCCAA Player of the Year (1998-99)
• TCCAA West Division Player of the Year (1997-98, 1998-99)
• All-TCCAA (1997-98, 1998-99)

Mackey holds the school record for the highest scoring average in a career with 26.5 points per game and is the 4th all-time leading scorer with 1,087 points. Her exceptional 1998-99 season saw her ranked 2nd all-time in single-season field goals made (302), 3rd in scoring average (27.6 PPG), and 3rd in points (728). She also posted remarkable rebounding stats, ranking 4th and 5th in single season rebounding average for 1997-98 and 1998-99, respectively.

Beyond these accomplishments, Mackey's consistent shooting left her 2nd in career field goal percentage (.623) and 4th in career blocked shots (96). Her leadership helped guide the Lady Saluqis to a 20-8 record and the West Division championship in 1998-99.

After her incredible career at Southwest, Mackey continued her basketball journey at Mississippi State University.

First Hall of Fame (2002) Players

Carolyn Blair (women's basketball)

1981-83
Two-time All-TJCAA
All-American (the second Lady Saluqis player named A-A)
Led Lady Saluqis to TJCAA championship in 1982 (the second title for the women's team)

Mary Boatwright (women's basketball)

1978-79
All-TJCAA (the first Lady Saluqis player to be named all-conference)
Led Lady Saluqis to best single season record (23-2) and first TJCAA championship in 1979
Went on to play at Mississippi State, and is still one of MSU's all-time leading scorers
Arguably the best women's basketball player ever to play in Memphis

Terry Boone (men's basketball)

1974-76
All-TJCAA
Two-time All-TJCAA West
All-American
Averaged 26.0 points per game as a sophomore (4th all-time)

Frankie Campbell (golf)

1981-82
Two-time All-Region selection
First Team All-American as a sophomore in 1982

Competed in the national championships both as a freshman and sophomore, finishing third in 1982. In the 1982 TJCCAA championships, set the course record on May 17, 1982, at Henry Horton Golf Course with a 65 from the championship tees. That record still stands. His two-day total was 65-68-133.

Paul Gagliano (baseball)

1975-76
All-TJCAA
TJCAA Player of the Year (the first Saluqis player named POY).
Led Saluqis to a 60-23 record over his two years, including West Division champions in 1976 (the first championship baseball team for the Saluqis). Was a four-year member of the Italian national baseball team.

Priscilla Gary (women's basketball)

1980-82
All-American (the first Lady Saluqis A-A)
Lady Saluqis All-Time Leading Scorer
Led Lady Saluqis to TJCAA championship in 1982 (the second title for the women's team)
Went on to a stellar career at Kansas State, where she was also an All-American

Anthony Johnson (men's basketball/baseball)

1974-76
Two-time All-TJCAA in basketball (the first two-time honoree)
Saluqis 2nd All-Time Leading Scorer
Averaged 25.5 points for his career (1st all-time)
Went on to play basketball and baseball at LeMoyne-Owen College (2 years), was then selected in the Major League Baseball draft.
Played Major League Baseball
Involved with the Memphis Red Birds RBI Program

Charlie Lea (baseball)

1976-77
Two-time All-TJCAA West
All-TJCAA (one year)
Went on to play at (then) Memphis State University (2 years), and was then selected in the Major League Baseball draft.
Played Major League baseball, pitched no-hitter while with the Montreal Expos.
Member of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
Was announcer with Memphis Red Birds - TV/radio color commentary.

McKinley Singleton (men's basketball)

1979-81
Two-time All-TJCAA
Two-time West Division Player of the Year
Saluqis All-Time Leading Scorer
First Saluqis player to play in the NBA

Herbert Wright (men's basketball)

1972-74
Father of former Memphis Grizzlies and Tigers Center Lorenzen Wright, and former Saluqi Lou Wright. Herbert Wright, the only original Saluqi among the inductees, was the first to be named All-TJCAA and All-American. Saluqis All-Time Leading Rebounder. Went on to play at Ole Miss (2 years)
Played Professional Basketball overseas
Was also Lady Saluqis women's basketball coach for 12 years, compiling a 179-88 record (#1 in career wins for Lady Saluqis coaches)
Led Lady Saluqis to six West Division championships, three TJCAA championships, and three Region titles/national tournament appearances.
TJCAA Coach of the Year in 1994

Hall of Fame Coaches

Joe Proctor (men's basketball)

TJCAA Coach of the Year in 1976-77, when the Saluqis won the conference and region championships, and played in the national tournament for the first time.
Career record of 84-47

Joe Platt (baseball)

179-73-1 career record for a .709 winning percentage (#1 all-time among Saluqis baseball coaches)
Led Saluqis to two West Division championships and two runners-up in his six years as coach
TJCAA Coach of the Year, when he led the Saluqis to the West Division championship (for the first time)

Bob Canada, (former Athletic Director, Golf Coach, and Tennis Coach)

Under his leadership, the Saluqis' total intercollegiate athletic program gained much local, regional and national attention.

During his 12-year tenure, Saluqis' teams posted an impressive winning record.
As a golf coach, his golfers won nine consecutive NJCAA Region 7 titles and competed in the
same number of national tournaments.
Region 7 Golf Coach of the Year every year from 1979-1990.
Four of his golfers were selected All-American, many were awarded scholarships to four-year colleges, and several turned professional.
Tennis coach during the 1978-79 seasons, winning both state and regional championships, and qualifying for the national tournament.
Inducted into the TJCCAA Hall of Fame in 1990.

Anita Malone (women's basketball)

125-44 career record for a .740 winning percentage (#1 all-time among Saluqis women's basketball coaches). Led Lady Saluqis to two TJCAA championships. In her seven years as coach, Lady Saluqis were twice TJCAA runner-up, once region runner-up, twice West Division champions, and and three times West Division runner-up.