After a stellar 2022-23 season that saw Ruston’s first run to the quarterfinals in 35 years, Bearcats Braylan McNeal and Aidan Anding both earned All-State honors by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association over the weekend.
“Braylan and Aidan were certainly two of the best players in the state this year,” Ruston head coach Ryan Bond said. “I’m very happy that they were recognized for their hard work and dedication to Ruston basketball. They played vital roles in our successful season.”
McNeal was named as first-team for 5A, while Anding was named honorable mention. McNeal averaged 15.2 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game for the Bearcats over the season.
On the girls’ side, junior Lady Bearcat Jaliyah McWain was named second-team after averaging 20 points and eight rebounds per game and was previously named the Offensive MVP of District 2-5A
“I’m really happy for Jaliyah to get recognized in this way and on this level,” Ruston head coach Meredith Graf said. “It speaks to her ability and the work she has put in. I appreciate the LSWA for giving her this honor. I hope this inspires her and her teammates to strive for even greater things.”
The full list:
BOYS
FIRST TEAM
Player School Ht. Cl. Avg.
Braylan McNeal Ruston 6-5 Sr. 15.2
Dorian Booker Scotlandville 6-11 Sr. 22.1
Brandon Hardy Zachary 6-3 Sr. 21.9
Allen Graves Ponchatoula 6-9 Jr. 19.0
Kohen Rowbatham Northshore 6-1 Jr. 24.0
SECOND TEAM
Player School Ht. Cl. Avg.
Jonathan Bradshaw Ouachita 6-3 Sr. 15.0
Christian Walker New Iberia 6-0 Sr. 14.6
Warren Young Jr. Walker 6-2 Sr. 17.7
Dennis Hebert Catholic 6-2 Sr. 14.0
Jeremiah Evans Southwood 6-10 Jr. 24.0
OUTSTANDING PLAYER: DORIAN BOOKER, SCOTLANDVILLE
COACH OF THE YEAR: DERRICK JONES, CATHOLIC
HONORABLE MENTION: Jabbari Barry, Barbe; John Kelly, John Ehret; Turner Duncan, St. Augustine; Jyrin Sowell, Captain Shreve; Colby O’glee, Airline; Trevon Jackson, Airline; Cam Lumar, Hahnville; Jordan Davis, Ouachita; Evyn Goree, Pineville; Ja’quise Richmond, Barbe; Chris Coleman, H.L. Bourgeois; Kylan Billiot, Terrebonne; Evan Griffin, Central Lafourche; Aidan Anding, Ruston; Reese Seichshnaydre, St. Paul’s; Letavian Crockett, St. Amant; C’Zavian Teasett, Scotlandville; Howard Gaskins, Liberty.
GIRLS
FIRST TEAM
Player School Ht. Cl. Avg.
Mikaylah Manley Barbe 5-8 Sr. 19.1
Mikayah Williams Parkway 6-1 Sr. 19.0
Taylor Jackson Ponchatoula 5-9 Sr. 19.3
Chrysta Narcisse Lafayette 5-9 Sr. 22.5
Caitlin Travis Walker 5-7 Sr. 16.8
SECOND TEAM
Player School Ht. Cl. Avg.
Jasmine Matthews East St. John 5-11 Sr. 25.0
Chloe Larry Parkway 5-9 Jr. 15.0
Jaliyah McWain Ruston 5-5 Jr. 20.0
Imani Daniel John Curtis 5-8 So. 15.9
Whitney Hart Liberty 6-3 Jr. 18.2
OUTSTANDING PLAYER: MIKAYLAH WILLIAMS, PARKWAY
COACH OF THE YEAR: GLORIA WILLIAMS, PARKWAY
HONORABLE MENTION: Marissa Schoth, Benton; Makayla Gallien, Natchitoches Central; Kaysha Hurd, Alexandria; Heaven Jordan, John Curtis; Elizabeth Thompson, Ponchatoula; Chikae Desdunes, John Curtis; Kameira McDonald, Scotlandville; Jade Spikes, Ouachita; Areil Williams, Barbe; Aryana Peak, Thibodaux; Caroline Loupe, Central Lafourche; Alissa O’Dell, Zachary; Thamerin Balthazar, Alexandria; Morgan Elie, Pineville; Deniya Thornton, St. Amant; Alissa O’Dell, Zachary; Kira Johnson, Lafayette High; Sara White, Haughton; Paige Marshall, Airline; Morgan Young, Byrd; Jania Holmes, John Curtis; Baylie Carroll, Chapelle; Nya Miller, Dutchtown; Ja’Miya Vann, Walker.
