MOBILE, Ala., March 15, 2026 – For the first time in program history, the Bishop State Community College men’s basketball team has been crowned the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament Champion! With the historic victory, the Wildcats earn an automatic berth to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas, representing the South District.
To celebrate the milestone and learn the team’s national tournament fate, Bishop State Community College will host a Championship Celebration and Selection Party on Monday, March 16, 2026, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at the Downtown Campus in the Center for Advanced Manufacturing Technology (CAMTech). During the event, players, coaches, students, faculty, alumni, and community supporters will gather to celebrate the Wildcats’ championship season and watch the official national tournament selection announcement to learn Bishop State’s seeding and first-round opponent.
The Wildcats enter the national tournament as Region 22 Champions after an impressive postseason run in the 2026 ACCC Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, held March 12–14 at Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama.
Bishop State finished the season with a 17–15 overall record, overcoming early challenges to emerge as one of the top teams in the conference. Despite a young roster featuring several freshmen, the Wildcats finished runner-up in the regular season conference standings before capturing the tournament championship.
The victory marks the program’s second championship game appearance in the past three years and its first ACCC title during that span, signaling the continued growth of the Wildcats’ basketball program.
Head Coach and Athletic Director Trent Eager is in his fifth season leading the Bishop State men’s basketball program. Prior to taking over the men’s team, Eager served five seasons as the college’s head women’s basketball coach, bringing a decade of leadership to Bishop State athletics.
The upcoming national tournament appearance represents a historic moment for the Wildcats and the college community.
