Men's Basketball Season Ends in ACCC Semifinal
Talladega, AL – Calhoun men's basketball saw their postseason run come to an end Friday night in the ACCC/Region 22 Tournament semifinals, falling 67–61 to Shelton State after opening the tournament with a 96–84 win over Wallace State on Thursday.
Entering the tournament as the No. 5 seed, the Warhawks first faced No. 4 seed Wallace State in a quarterfinal matchup that mirrored the teams' regular season meetings. The contest featured two high-powered offenses that traded baskets for much of the night, creating a fast-paced and competitive battle from start to finish.
Neither team was able to build much separation through the first half, as both squads found consistent scoring opportunities. Calhoun's offensive rhythm remained steady while the defense created key stops at critical moments to keep the Warhawks within striking distance.
In the second half, the back-and-forth scoring continued as both teams pushed the tempo and leaned on their offensive strengths. With the game still hanging in the balance late, Calhoun elevated their defensive intensity and capitalized on efficient possessions down the stretch. The Warhawks' defensive pressure helped create opportunities in transition, allowing Calhoun to pull away late and secure the 96–84 victory.
The win advanced the Warhawks to the semifinal round on Friday, where they faced top-seeded Shelton State.
Unlike Thursday's high-scoring battle, the semifinal matchup featured a dramatically different style of play. Both teams leaned heavily on their defenses, forcing turnovers and contesting nearly every possession. The slower pace and physical play limited scoring opportunities on both sides.
Calhoun stayed within reach throughout the contest, responding to Shelton State runs and keeping the game competitive well into the second half. Despite several late opportunities to close the gap, the Warhawks were unable to take control as Shelton State maintained a narrow lead down the stretch.
The Buccaneers ultimately held on for the 67–61 win, ending Calhoun's season just one game short of the tournament championship round.
Head coach Derrick Powell praised the effort and leadership of the team's sophomore class following the game. "I'm incredibly proud of this group and what they've done to help build the foundation of this program over the last two years," Powell said. "These guys compete, they fight, and they're willing to do whatever it takes for each other. We really believed we had a chance to ride this thing all the way to the national tournament, but we just couldn't get it done tonight. Still, this group has meant a lot to Calhoun basketball."
The loss closes the book on the 2025–2026 season and marks the end of the careers of eight Calhoun sophomores as the program concludes its fourth year of competition.