Special to the American Press

Hamilton Christian did not field a team three years ago. After a winless first season of competition and six victories last year, Edwin Colbert took over the program and promptly led them to a 22-7 record and a berth in the Division IV Select semifinals in year one. His efforts are deserving of the girls’ Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 1A Coach of the Year .

North Central’s De’Vion Lavergne and Northwood-Lena’s Na’Kiya Allen have two things in common on the hardwood — outstanding individual accomplishments and team championships.

Now they have Class 1A Outstanding Player awards as voted on by sports writers across the state.

Lavergne led North Central to a Division IV nonselect title by averaging 26.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, helping the Hurricanes defeat Franklin in the championship game.

It took a little extra time on the clock, but Allen and Northwood-Lena battled defending Division IV Select champion Southern Lab into overtime, capturing the state crown with a three-point victory. Northwood was the 1A champion in 2022.

The Kilgore College commit averaged 22 points and 12 rebounds per game during a dominant senior season.

Antonio Hudson had many distractions to deal with off the court during Lincoln Prep’s run to the state tournament — including the death of his mentor and legendary Grambling Lab coach Michael Lyons and leading a team that had no home court to defend.

On the court, Hudson led the Panthers to the Division IV Select championship game and 24-5 campaign. He has been named Class 1A Boys Coach of the Year.

Lavergne is joined on the boys first team by Omarion Layssard of Northwood-Lena, Bralyn Mayfield of Lincoln Prep, Isian Stevens of Crescent City and Jalan Washington of White Castle.

In addition to Allen, the girls first team consists of Rhianna Battles of Northwood-Lena, Laurielle Bias of Central Catholic, Shaila Forman of Southern Lab and Kiara Comeaux of Highland Baptist.

Boys

First Team

Player, School Ht. Cl. Avg.

Omarion Layssard, Northwood 6-1 Sr. 21.0

Bralyn Mayfield ,Lincoln Prep 6-4 Sr. 18.3

De’Vion Lavergne, North Central 6-3 Sr. 26.9

Isiah Stevens, Crescent City 6-0 So. 22.8

Jalan Washington, White Castle 6-2 Sr. 18.0

Second Team

Player, School Ht. Cl. Avg.

Bryson Colbert, Hamilton Christian 6-2 Sr. 16.5

Damondrick Blackburn, Central Catholic 5-10 Sr. 17.9

Randarius Morris, Northwood 6-4 Sr. 13.0

Mckennis Savoie, North Central 6-2 Jr. 20.8

Matt Weaver, St. Martin’s Episcopal 6-2 Jr. 18.1

OUTSTANDING PLAYER — De’vion Lavergne, North Central

COACH OF THE YEAR — Antonio Hudson, Lincoln Prep

HONORABLE MENTION — Dwight Magee, Crescent City; Ja’Marcus Fisher; Magnolia Charter; Rodtrevious Crawley, Arcadia; Spencer Dunn, Homer; Ayden Warren, St. Mary’s; Joe Metoyer, St. Mary’s; Benjamin Case, Central Catholic; Brandon Heard, Lincoln Prep.

Girls

First Team

Player, School Ht. Cl. Avg.

Na’Kiyah Allen, Northwood 5-11 Sr. 22.0

Rhianna Battles, Northwood 5-5 Jr. 12.0

Laurielle Bias, Central Catholic 5-5 Jr. 21.5

Shaila Forman, Southern Lab 5-9 So. 17.8

Kiara Comeaux, Highland Baptist 5-7 Sr. 18.2

Second Team

Player, School Ht. Cl. Avg.

Anna Dale Melton, Ouachita Christian 5-5 Sr. 15.0

Da’Zya Johnson, Northwood 5-11 So. 16.0

Allie Furr, Cedar Creek 5-6 Sr. 18.0

Layla Tell, Haynesville 5-11 So. 15.0

Kori Wesley, White Castle 5-1 8th 21.3

OUTSTANDING PLAYER — Na’kiya Allen, Northwood-Lena

COACH OF THE YEAR — Edwin Colbert, Hamilton Christian

HONORABLE MENTION — DeAsia Alexander, Arcadia; Z’Riah Buggs, Homer; Asia Patin, Southern Lab; Lila Lewis, East Beauregard; Jade Oliney, Central Catholic; Alainah Felton, Riverside Academy; Lizzie McAdams, Cedar Creek; Asijah Wright, Lincoln Prep; McKenzie Deville, Hamilton Christian; Myracle Revon, Riverside Academy.

As voted by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association