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Southwest Honors Five Inductees for 2024 Saluqi Hall of Fame

2024 Saluqi Hall of Fame inductees include (l-r): Michael Wilson, Brian Bramlett, Verties Sales, Jr., Andrea Martre and Myquita Mackey.
2024 Saluqi Hall of Fame inductees include (l-r):
Michael Wilson, Brian Bramlett, Verties Sales, Jr.,
Andrea Martre and Myquita Mackey.

Southwest Tennessee Community College inducted three former student-athletes and two coaches into the Saluqi Hall of Fame on Nov. 1 as part of the 2024 Homecoming celebrations. 

The honor was bestowed during a ceremony at the Verties Sales Gymnasium on the Union Avenue Campus and recognizes each for their outstanding contributions and achievements in Saluqi athletics.

Master of Ceremonies and Shelby County Commissioner Mikell Lowery started the evening with introductions. Dr. Tracy D. Hall, president of the College, joined in greeting attendees and recognizing the significance of the inductions.

“Tonight is more than just bestowing awards. It’s also about coming home,” Hall said. “As you may know, our Hall of Fame ceremony is one special facet of Homecoming, a time when we can celebrate that Saluqi spirit that unites us all – We Are One! I’m excited to bring back the Hall of Fame and to launch our inaugural Homecoming.”

Hall expressed gratitude to the Homecoming and Hall of Fame Committees spearheaded by Coach Jarrett Stephens, Braylin Laster, Tameka Perry, Phoenix Worthy, and Tamera Boyland.

This year’s honorees make up the fourth class of inductees since the Hall of Fame’s establishment in 2002. Inductees represent more than 40 years of Saluqi athletics, representing the first Shelby State teams of the 1970s and 1980s to those who contribute to the program today at Southwest.

The student-athletes inducted were Brian Bramlett (baseball), Michael Wilson (basketball) and Myquita Mackey (basketball). Current Saluqi Women’s Basketball Coach Andrea Martre and former Saluqi Men’s Coach Vertie Sales, Jr. were inducted for their professional achievement. The College’s gymnasium bears his name in honor of his accomplishments and dedication.

Here’s a closer look at each of the inductees:

Brian Bramlett is a top Saluqi baseball pitcher, winning 17 games in his career, including 11 as a sophomore. In 1992, he earned multiple accolades and threw no-hitters against Volunteer State and Aquinas, leading the Saluqi to a division championship. He ranks high in single-season complete games and career innings pitched. After Saluqi, he played at Union University, winning 10 games in 1993. Graduating in 1995, he began a long coaching and teaching career at Stewart County High School. In 2018, he coached the team to its first state tournament appearance, impacting young athletes’ lives for 28 years.

Michael Wilson, a Memphis native, excelled at Shelby State, earning All-TCCAA and All-Region honors in 1992-93. He led the Saluqis to a 22-8 record and championships in the West Division and TCCAA. At the University of Memphis, he starred in the 1995 and 1996 NCAA Tournaments. Known for his 52-inch vertical leap, Wilson set the world record for the highest dunk at 12 feet in 2000. He played for the Harlem Globetrotters from 1996 to 2005. Now a Recreation Specialist in Washington, D.C., he was honored as a “Legends” recipient in 2019.

Myquita Mackey, a standout at Shelby State, excelled in basketball with her scoring and rebounding skills. She earned numerous accolades, including NJCAA First Team All-American (1998-99) and TCCAA Player of the Year (1998-99). Mackey holds the school record for highest career scoring average (26.5 PPG) and is the 4th all-time leading scorer (1,087 points). Her 1998-99 season ranks second in single-season field goals made (302) and third in scoring average (27.6 PPG). She also ranks second in career field goal percentage (.623) and fourth in career blocked shots (96). Mackey continued her career at Mississippi State University.

Andrea Martre, a standout player at Shelby State, led the Lady Saluqis to a 27-5 record and a national tournament appearance in 1986-87, holding a record of 184 career steals. At Edinboro University, she set a school and state record with 238 assists in a season. As a coach at Southwest, she compiled a 408-307 record, achieving national rankings and tournament appearances. Martre has been named TCCAA Coach of the Year three times and coached numerous All-Americans. Her dedication to her players’ success on and off the court has left a lasting impact on the community.

Verties Sails, Jr., a Tennessee native, is a legendary basketball coach with deep Memphis roots. After earning his master’s degree from Memphis State University, he began coaching at Melrose High School, achieving a 132-35 record and an undefeated state championship in 1974. As Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Shelby State from 1979, he amassed a 539-219 record, winning numerous titles. Sails also contributed significantly to the Memphis community and received multiple accolades, including induction into the TJCCAA and NJCAA Halls of Fame. He retired in 2012, leaving a legacy of excellence and leadership.