Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
Prattville Senior KeLeigh Mullens has been named 1st Team All Autauga County in girls’ basketball the last three seasons. She was also named Class 7A 3rd Team All-State in 2023 and 2024 and played in the Class 7A Final Four. In 2025 she led Prattville to the Autauga County Basketball Tournament championship. Mullens recently announced her commitment to Shelton State Community College for next season.
Mullens visited the campus on October 28 prior to making a commitment.
“I realized how special the program is, and I want to be challenged every day,” said Mullens. “I think Coach Thompson and the level of competition they play will give me the challenge I need to keep growing.”
The Shelton State team recently finished the 2025 season as the NJCAA Division 1 National Runner-Up. It was the first time in school history that the school reached the national final. Shelton State has had numerous players move on to four year schools, to include former Holtville star Julie Nekolna who is now at Texas Tech, and Makala Hobdy who is at Jacksonville State. Mullens’ high school coach, Erica DuBois, thinks Mullens has what it takes to succeed at Shelton and move on to a Division 1 school.
“I think KeLeigh will be able to accomplish anything that KeLeigh wants to accomplish,” said Coach DuBois. “Someone as good as she is, is still growing. She is an extremely special talent that I feel has been overlooked by many. With the talent she is going to have on her team to play with at Shelton, everyone will see what Coach Thompson and I already know…she is a D1 guard.”
Coach DuBois thinks that Mullens is ready to compete at a high level for several reasons.
“KeLeigh is very good on offense and very good on defense. She is averaging a double double this season, and it can be with either rebounds or steals. Her work ethic is unmatched. She will always be the hardest worker on the team no matter what work they are putting in. And lastly, her IQ and her drive. I have never met someone who just wants to play ball, ball, and more ball. At the end of the day, this young lady is special, and she will go and be elite as soon as she steps on campus,” said Coach DuBois.
Mullens, who had a triple double in the Lions’ win on the road at Stanhope Elmore earlier this season, also led the Lions to the championship of the Pelham Tip Off Thanksgiving tournament. She is averaging 21 points, 10 steals, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists per game as a senior.
Mullens credited her mother and her coach as two people that were influential in her decision to commit to Shelton State.
“My mom is my biggest supporter. She knows what fits best for me and of course I trust her. Coach D because she is a big role in my basketball career and my growth. I know I need a good, tough coach because I know with her being tough and the great program she has created at Prattville, I have gotten so much better. I feel Shelton will give me those same things so that I can keep growing.”
Mullens plans to focus her studies on Criminal Justice.
