By Kyle Roberts
Both of Ruston High’s basketball squads had players named to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association 5A All-State teams on Wednesday morning.
Both junior Aidan Anding and freshman Ahmad Hudson would be named first team all-state on the boys’ side, while senior Jaliyah McWain was named second team all-state for the girls. Senior Zaccheya Jackson earned honorable mention honors.
Anding, who was named the Lincoln Parish Journal player of the year, averaged 14.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.5 steals per contest. His efforts put him first-team All-District 2-5A, as well.
Hudson lived up to the preseason hype with multiple double-doubles throughout the year and thunderous dunks galore. His season saw an average 14.0 points and 11.0 rebounds a night.
Both Hudson and Anding joined the squad after winning the 2023 state championship with the Bearcat football team and will return to the Ruston hoops lineup next season.
McWain wrapped up her illustrious career for Ruston High after leading her team to a quarterfinal matchup loss in the playoffs to Denham Springs. She finished with 14.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.
Jackson was the Lady Bearcats’ second leading scorer at 11.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per night. Both young ladies averaged 3.0 steals a night, as well.
