Lincoln Prep’s Burks named Class 1A All-State

Lincoln Prep senior Stephen Burks has been chosen by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association as a first-team All-State selection for Class 1A on the back of his consistent play for the Panthers this year.

Burks, previously named District 2-1A MVP, helped Prep win another undefeated district title and averaged 17 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.5 steals this season — ending his final 10 games with a double-double.

Antonio Hudson, who led the Panthers to a 19-9 record and a third- straight trip to the state tournament, said Burks was worthy to be recognized.

“ He deserves it,” Hudson said. “Stephen was a gym rat. He’s constantly been in the gym working on his craft and working to get better.

“He showed a lot of selflessness that he put aside what he wanted to do and trusted us as coaches to be successful and bought in to what we were trying to do. If you had said when you were watching us play at the beginning, he would be an all-state player, it would have been hard to believe. But to watch the growth and how hard he worked is special to see,” Hudson continued.

Along with Burks, Lincoln Prep senior Asijah Wright and Cedar Creek Lady Cougars Mallory Smith and Leah Sutherland all represented Lincoln Parish as honorable mention selections on the girls team, each averaging more than 7 points per game this season.

Dwight Magee of Crescent City was named Class 1A Boys Outstanding Player, while his head coach Brandon Russ was named Class 1A Boys Coach of the Year.

Rhianna Battles of Northwood-Lena earned Class 1A Girls Outstanding Player, while Arcadia’s LaKinya Curry was named Girls Coach of the Year.