Jones earns Class B all-state honors

Choudrant senior Michael Jones established himself as the best player in District 2-B this season with dominant offense and a physicality that few could match.

Now, he ends his high school career as a Class B all-state second-team selection by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, adding another highlight to an impressive resume for his senior campaign.

Jones, the unanimous District 2-B MVP, led the Aggies to a 23-12 overall after averaging 25.4 points (64 percent from the field), 11.7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals – scoring at least 25 points in 21 games this season.

“It’s quite an honor for him and I think it’s really cool when you think about how few get this honor,” Choudrant head coach Ryan Smith said. “He was such a great player and such a great representative of what we want in our basketball program and getting this one final honor is well deserving and I’m really proud of him and excited for him and his family.”

The lofty numbers weren’t a case of Jones having his way against under-manned and unathletic Class B programs. Jones gave some of the best teams in Class B, including state champions and state semifinalists, a fit.

Against eventual state champion Zwolle, Jones had 31 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 3 steals. In the quarterfinal round against No. 3 Lacassine, Jones put up 28 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 blocks. And in Choudrant’s three-game series with Simsboro this season, Jones averaged 27.6 ppg and 15 rebounds.

“He’s going to be missed for sure next year,” Smith said.

Along with Jones, Simsboro senior Itavus Brown earned a honorable mention nod on the all-state team.

On the girl’s team, Choudrant sophomore Reese Brown also received honorable mention.

Avoyells Charter Jalen Brown was named Class B Boy’s MVP after leading his team to a Division V select state championship. Reese Stephens was named Class B MVP for the girls.

Negreet’s Gary Henry was selected as Class B Coach of the Year on the boy’s side after leading his team to the Top 28 for the first time since 1997, while Ross Rix of J.S. Clark was named Class B Coach of the Year on the girl’s side.

LSWA Class B All-State team

BOYS

First team

Jalen Brown Avoyelles Charter 5-8 Jr. 21.0

Preston Sanders Zwolle 6-2 Jr. 23.0

Le’Damien George J.S. Clark 6-3 So. 18.0

Dustin Welch Anacoco 6-4 Sr. 20.4

Johnathan Holmes Negreet 6-4 Sr. 22.3

Second team

Kane Broussard Lacassine 6-4 Jr. 20.0

Michael Jones Choudrant 6-1 Sr. 25.4

Armonii Benjamin Avoyelles Charter 6-1 So. 16.3

Hayden Doyle Hicks 6-2 Sr. 15.6

DeMarion McClendon Doyline 5-9 Jr. 15.3

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: JALEN BROWN, AVOYELLES CHARTER

COACH OF THE YEAR: GARY HENRY, NEGREET

Honorable mention

Howard Ethridge, Zwolle; Jacob Vilar, Episcopal of Acadiana; Itavus Brown, Simsboro; Logan Ponder, Quitman; Christopher Newton, Rapides; Dalton Miller, Holden; Kayden Bourque, Midland.

GIRLS

First team

Reese Stephens Hicks 5-4 Sr. 20.0

Taylor Barnaba J.S. Clark 5-1 So. 18.0

Gracie Miller Midland 5-9 Sr. 20.4

Shyanne Phillips Hicks 6-1 Sr. 21.0

Alexis Dyer Oak Hill 5-10 Sr. 17.0

Second team

Bailey Davis Anacoco 5-9 Sr. 12.4

Madison Suire Hathaway 5-4 Sr. 15.4

Payton Herpin Bell City 5-9 So. 20.2

Ambree Collinsworth Castor 5-6 Sr. 12.8

Kaiya Miller Negreet 5-7 So. 12.7

OUTSTANDING PLAYER: REESE STEPHENS, HICKS

COACH OF THE YEAR: ROSS RIX, J.S. CLARK

Honorable mention

Cali Deal, Quitman; Reese Brown, Choudrant; Lily Rousseau, Avoyelles Charter; Tora Savoy, Midland; Hayzlyn Granade, Maurepas; Preslye Rivers, Converse; Abbilee Dowden, Anacoco.