Central basketball standout commits to Coastal – Lowndes Signal

Central basketball standout commits to Coastal

Published 6:00 pm Saturday, July 26, 2025

Photo submitted | Central High School graduate Iyanis Wallace commits to play basketball at Coastal Alabama Community College.

By Zarria McCall

Central High School basketball player Iyanis Wallace has committed to Coastal Alabama Community College in Bay Minette. The decision was made under the guidance of his coaches, Brain Coleman and Julian Little. 

During the college selection process, coaches served as mentors for Wallace, providing words of advice and encouragement. 

“I went through a similar process when I played high school football,” said Little, Central High School head football coach. “I just gave them tidbits of things I wish I knew [or] had someone to tell me. I always told him [to] go where [you’re] celebrated, not where [you’re] tolerated. Enjoy [yourself] and go [to a place that] fits your personality the best, wherever that may be.”

WallaceIyanis asserts that his coaches helped him come to the decision, offering with their constant support and undying belief in him and his future.

“They always treat me like a son,” said Wallace. “When I was looking for coaches and places to go, I always [looked] for a coach that [will] treat me like I was one of his kids.”

Wallace said he had strict criteria for his dream college. Taking his mentor’s advice, he said it was important that he felt welcomed and had the ability to play basketball alongside gaining training for a career in welding. 

Additionally, Wallace wanted to be away from his hometown and live on campus so that he could fully immerse himself in the college experience.

“[The] first thing was to be able to, of course, play basketball,” said Wallace. “[The] second thing was to be able to move a little further away from home. I always wanted the college experience… to live on campus and play basketball. 

“I wanted to do welding. If I can do welding and play basketball that’ll be fine. I think the college I committed to is the right college [ because] I could play basketball and a lot of [ colleges] didn’t give me that option.”

Coastal Alabama checked all the boxes on his list. The coach, who was friends with his father, embraced Wallace and his talents fully, making him feel secure in his decision. 

“When I met the coach he welcomed me with open arms,” said Wallace. “Also, he was [close to] my dad when I was younger. It just came [around] in one big circle.”

While pursuing his associates degree in Welding. Wallace hopes to continue playing competitive basketball.

“We’ll see when it comes down to it, but right now just welding and basketball,” said Wallace.

The student-athlete said he is confident about his ability to achieve his goals. He hopes to gain recognition from a prestigious college and to fully realize his dream of playing basketball in the N.B.A. 

Little said he believes that Wallace will push Coastal Alabama Community College to new heights with his work ethic and meticulous nature. 

“I think in the grand scheme of things [with] how hard he works, how he pays attention to detail, that he could help their school compete at a higher level,” said Little. “I think the things he brings to the game aren’t things that you can just measure with a stick. “

Little is also confident that Iyanis will accomplish everything he sets out to do. 

“I think he has the potential to accomplish anything his heart desires,” said Little.