Talladega College
When Andre Payne, Talladega College's Athletic Director and Head Women's Basketball Coach, hired Jameus Hartsfield as Head Men's Basketball Coach in the summer of 2025, it marked more than a new era in Tornado basketball, it was the continuation of a remarkable coaching lineage built on faith, mentorship, and generational growth.

The Beginning: Texas College (2004–2006)
The story began in 2004 at Texas College, where Coach Payne served as Head Men's Basketball Coach. Among those trying out for the team was a young Jameus Hartsfield. One of Payne's assistants advised against adding him to the roster, saying Hartsfield was "too skinny to play." But Payne saw something others didn't, determination, character, and a spark worth developing.

Despite a limited scholarship budget, Payne offered Hartsfield a $290 book scholarship to join the team. It was a small investment that would one day yield generational results.
When Hartsfield arrived on campus with his mother, she asked if he was sure this was where he wanted to attend college. He confidently told her yes. As they spoke, they saw Coach Payne walking by. Hartsfield told his mom, "That's my coach right there." Payne, not recognizing him at first, walked past, but when Hartsfield called out to him, Payne turned around, greeted them, and the two have been connected ever since.

Hartsfield played for Payne at Texas College until 2006. When Payne left to accept a new position at Wiley College, he made sure that the two players he believed in most, including Hartsfield, received the remaining scholarship funds in Texas College's limited budget. It was his way of ensuring their continued success, even in his absence.

The Next Chapter: From Player to Coach (2008–2014)
After graduating from Texas College in spring 2008, Hartsfield reached out to Payne, who was now leading the program at Wiley College. Hartsfield asked if there were any coaching positions available. Payne didn't have a paid position open but welcomed him on staff as a volunteer coach.
His work ethic quickly stood out, and by spring 2009, Hartsfield was hired as Coordinator of Student Activities while continuing to serve as an assistant coach. Together, Payne and Hartsfield helped build Wiley College into a national contender, rising to #10 in the country during their tenure.
During those years, Payne's son, Andre Payne Jr., was about 11 years old and spent much of his time around the program. Hartsfield became a mentor and big-brother figure to him, a bond that would later come full circle.

A New Leader Emerges (2014–2017)
In fall 2014, Hartsfield was named Head Men's Basketball Coach at Wiley College, stepping into a leadership role of his own. Under his direction, Wiley rose to #7 in the nation and earned three automatic bids to the NAIA National Tournament, a testament to his growth under Payne's mentorship and his ability to lead with both toughness and heart.

Continuing the Tree: Denmark Technical College (2017–2023)
In 2017, Payne transitioned to Denmark Technical College, serving as both Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach. When it came time to build his coaching staff, Payne reached out to Hartsfield for recommendations, and on his suggestion, he hired Patrick Scipio as his assistant coach.
By 2021, Andre Payne Jr. and Wilfred Campbell were both playing under Payne and Scipio at Denmark Tech. In 2023, when the women's basketball coach departed, Payne stepped into that role while continuing as Athletic Director, naming Patrick Scipio the new Head Men's Basketball Coach.
When Wilfred Campbell graduated, Payne recommended him to the men's basketball staff at Talladega College, where Campbell went on to play for three seasons.

Full Circle: Talladega College (2024–Present)
In fall 2024, Payne was hired as Head Women's Basketball Coach at Talladega College. Less than a year later, in summer 2025, he was promoted to Athletic Director while continuing to lead the women's program.
To strengthen his staff, Payne brought back those who had grown with him through the years:

• Jameus Hartsfield as Head Men's Basketball Coach
• Patrick Scipio as Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
• Wilfred Campbell as Graduate Assistant for the men's program
• Andre Payne Jr. as Graduate Assistant for both men's and women's basketball

From player to coach, from volunteer to leader, and from mentor to colleague, the story has come full circle.

A Legacy of Mentorship and Opportunity
What began as a simple act of belief, offering a young player a $290 scholarship, has grown into a multi-generational legacy of mentorship, trust, and opportunity. Across Texas College, Wiley College, Denmark Technical College, and now Talladega College, the Payne coaching tree has produced not only winning programs but also enduring relationships rooted in loyalty and purpose.

At Talladega College, that legacy continues, a living reminder that true coaching is not just about basketball; it's about building people, families, and futures.