East Limestone’s Zak Cain picked up first-team honors to cap an outstanding prep career when the Alabama Sports Writers Association released this year’s All-State basketball teams on Saturday.

The senior was one of five standouts in The News Courier’s coverage area to secure ASWA recognition following the 2024-25 season, joining Tanner’s Elyjah Jones, Clements’ Kaley McEwen, Athen Bible’s Noah Hester and Athens Bible’s Brooke Blakely.

The All-State basketball teams are handpicked by the ASWA’s prep committee, which chooses from a list of deserving — and nominated — athletes spanning seven classifications across the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and of which The News Courier is a voting member.

The Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) is also part of the selection process.

Player of the Year finalists from each classification will be announced next week.

See below for capsules of local players spotlighted by the ASWA and the complete All-State teams.

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VARSITY BOYS

Name: Zak Cain

School: East Limestone

Class: Senior

All-State Status: Class 5A First Team

Highlights: Averaged 18.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game … Had 72 steals and 10 blocks … Helped Indians reach Sweet 16.

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Name: Elyjah Jones

School: Tanner

Class: Senior

All-State Status: Class 2A Second Team

Highlights: Averaged 14.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game … Had 48 steals and 12 blocks … Helped Rattlers reach Elite Eight.

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Name: Noah Hester

School: Athens Bible

Class: Senior

All-State Status: Class 1A Honorable Mention

Highlights: Averaged 14.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game … Had 26 steals and 14 blocks … Helped Trojans reach Sweet 16 for the first time since 1997.

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VARSITY GIRLS

Name: Brooke Blakely

School: Athens Bible

Class: Senior

All-State Status: Class 1A Third Team

Highlights: Averaged 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game … Had 137 steals and five blocks … Program’s all-time leading scorer with 1,524 career points.

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Name: Kaley McEwen

School: Clements

Class: Senior

All-State Status: Class 3A Third Team

Highlights: Averaged 14.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game … Had 60 steals and 49 blocks … Helped Colts win third straight county title.

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CLASS 7A GIRLS

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

Aaliyah Blanchard, Hoover, Jr., G, 5-11

Sarah Gordon, Vestavia Hills, Sr., G, 5-11

Jabria Lindsey, Central-Phenix City, Jr., G, 5-9

Blakeley Nixon, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Jr., G, 5-8

Lani Smallwood, Albertville, Jr., G, 5-8

 

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

Jareah Branch, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Sr., G, 6-1

Kaitlyn Gipson, Hoover, Sr., G, 5-5

Abby J. Johnson, Daphne, Jr., G, 5-5

Elise McClain, Bob Jones, Jr., G, 5-10

Braylee Winfrey, Auburn, Jr., G, 5-10

 

THIRD-TEAM ALL-STATE

Mylie Butler, Albertville, So., G, 5-7

Madi-Marie Grayson, Alma Bryant, Jr., G, 5-6

Brooke Hallman, Auburn, Sr., G, 5-9

Abby Grace Johnson, Huntsville, Sr., F, 5-9

Keiyonla Knight, Foley, Sr., G, 5-6

 

HONORABLE MENTION

Ashlyn Howard, Hewitt-Trussville, Sr., C, 6-2

Ja’Kyah Smith, Bob Jones, Jr., G, 5-9

Jayla West-Young, Prattville, Sr., G, 5-7

Kristen Winston, Hoover, 8th, G, 5-10

 

COACH OF THE YEAR

Natasha Smallwood, Albertville

CLASS 7A BOYS

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

DeWayne Brown, Hoover, Sr., C, 6-9

J.D. Gossett, Huntsville, Sr., G, 6-5

Jacoby Hill, Central-Phenix City, Sr., G, 6-4

Bryant James, Florence, Sr., G, 6-2

Salim London, Hoover, Sr., G, 6-5

 

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

Jalen Chandler, Florence, Sr., F/C, 6-7

Jackson Gulley, Fairhope, Jr., F, 6-7

Kaden Rickard, Bob Jones, Sr., G, 6-6

Caiden Ricks, Austin, Jr., F, 6-7

Brayden Rivers, Huntsville, Sr., G/F, 6-7

 

THIRD-TEAM ALL-STATE

Osa Alohan, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Sr., G, 6-0

Adam Barksdale, Vestavia Hills, Sr., G, 6-5

Dejiah Coleman, Dothan, Jr., G, 6-5

Antwane Daniels, Auburn, Jr., F, 6-5

Jarett Fairley, Hoover, Sr., G, 6-2

 

HONORABLE MENTION

Javion Dailey, Daphne, Sr., G, 6-1

Tucker Wadsworth, Enterprise, Jr., G, 6-5

Simon Walker, Huntsville, Sr., G, 6-5

Desmond Williams, Baker, Sr., G, 6-2

 

COACH OF THE YEAR

Dylan Burleson, Florence

CLASS 6A GIRLS

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

Hannah Burks, Hartselle, So., G, 5-10

Saniya Jackson, Park Crossing, Sr., G, 5-9

Kristen Johnson, Hazel Green, Jr., G, 5-8

Tiauna King, Pelham, Jr., G, 5-7

Haley Trotter, Chelsea, Sr., F, 6-0

 

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

Layla Berry, Gardendale, So., G, 5-10

Zimri Craig, Fort Payne, So., G, 5-10

Ellis McCool, Homewood, Jr., F, 6-2

Maliyah Meeks, Park Crossing, Jr., C, 6-2

Maddie Walter, Mountain Brook, So., F, 6-1

 

THIRD-TEAM ALL-STATE

Adrienne Hunt, Paul Bryant, Jr., G, 6-1

Mackenzie Sears, Muscle Shoals, Jr., G, 5-9

Taniya Smith, McAdory, Jr., G, 5-6

Ava Thomas, Oxford, So., G, 5-10

Kam Wright, McGill-Toolen, So., G, 5-9

 

HONORABLE MENTION

Isia Anderson, Benjamin Russell, Sr., G, 5-6

Brett Douglas, Hazel Green, Sr., F, 6-0

Zoey Little, Shades Valley, Jr., G, 5-11

Molly Wilson, Cullman, So., F, 6-1

 

COACH OF THE YEAR

Jason Harlow, Chelsea

CLASS 6A BOYS

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

Jaylen Alexander, Oxford, Jr., G, 6-0

Devin Barksdale, Gadsden City, Sr., G, 6-1

Austin Coner, Pinson Valley, Sr., G, 6-0

Jacobe Whitted, McAdory, Sr., F, 6-7

Peyton Wiggins, Huffman, Sr., G, 6-2

 

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

King Larkin, Paul Bryant, Sr., F, 6-4

Devon McKinnon, Clay-Chalkville, Sr., G, 6-5

Aiden Owens, Chelsea, Sr., F, 6-4

Braylon Patton, Hueytown, Sr., G, 6-1

Jakobi Sharp, Gadsden City, Jr., G, 6-3

 

THIRD-TEAM ALL-STATE

Tanner Chandler, Mortimer Jordan, Sr., F, 6-3

Jake Dorough, Cullman, Sr., G, 6-2

Lucca Nelson, Spanish Fort, Sr., G, 6-0

Ethan Stokes, McGill-Toolen, Sr., F, 6-7

Anderson Wilkin, Northridge, Sr., G, 6-2

 

HONORABLE MENTION

Da’Karion Bryant, Jemison-Huntsville, Sr., G, 6-6

Kaleb Carson, Homewood, Jr., G, 6-0

Houston Cunningham, Theodore, Sr., G, 6-1

Ty Odom, Hartselle, Sr., G, 6-1

 

COACH OF THE YEAR

Darrell Barber, Pinson Valley

CLASS 5A GIRLS

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

Jamonica Chambers, Vigor, Jr., C, 6-4

Leah Childress, Priceville, Sr., G, 5-8

Samarian Franklin, Wenonah, Sr., G, 5-2

Camilyah Rowe, Ramsay, So., F, 5-10

Bree Sexton, Scottsboro, Sr., F, 5-10

 

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

Bennett Boulo, St. Paul’s, Jr., G, 5-10

Kenna’D Buie, Shelby Co., 7th, G/F, 5-7

NuNu Jernigan, Marbury, Sr., G, 5-7

Kennedi McGhee, Brewbaker Tech, Sr., C, 6-1

Izzy Nelson, Scottsboro, So., F, 6-0

 

THIRD-TEAM ALL-STATE

Jaelyn Faulkner, West Point, Jr., G, 5-5

Emma Kerley, Briarwood, Jr., F, 6-0

Kamryn Knowles, Northside, Fr., G, 5-7

Ellie Mostellar, UMS-Wright, Sr., G, 5-9

Nayla Wesley, Ramsay, Sr., F, 5-9

 

HONORABLE MENTION

Ella Copeland, Russellville, So., G, 5-9

Alexis Phillips, Jacksonville, Sr., G, 5-7

Laklin Shadix, West Point, So., F, 5-11

Emily Williams, John Carroll, Jr., F, 6-1

 

COACH OF THE YEAR

Andrea Powell, Vigor

CLASS 5A BOYS

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

Zak Cain, East Limestone, Sr., G, 6-3

Brendon Davis, Wenonah, So., G, 6-4

Aslan Jones, Vigor, Sr., F, 6-2

EJ King, Russellville, Sr., G, 6-2

Jayden Williams, Ramsay, Sr., G, 6-6

 

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

Braylon Dame, Lawrence Co., Sr., G, 6-3

Kobe Johnson, St. Paul’s, Jr., F, 6-5

Jake Jones, Scottsboro, Sr., G, 6-2

Drew Mears, Briarwood, Jr., G, 5-9

CJ Scott, Guntersville, Sr., G, 6-4

 

THIRD-TEAM ALL-STATE

Kameron Christian, Charles Henderson, Sr., G, 5-10

Corien Coleman, Williamson, Jr., G, 6-4

Michael Culver, Carroll-Ozark, So., G, 6-3

Jay Green, Ramsay, Jr., G, 6-1

Jay Lamar, West Point, Sr., G, 5-10

 

HONORABLE MENTION

Dee Cutts, Montevallo, Sr., F, 6-4

Jackson Dunn, Brewer, Sr., F, 6-2

Dimitri Howard, Carver-Birmingham, Sr., G, 5-10

Tucker Hyatt, Hayden, Jr., G, 6-7

 

COACH OF THE YEAR

Matthew Crowe, Brewer

CLASS 4A GIRLS

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

Reece Davis, Deshler, So., G, 5-7

Sawyer Kate Hulgan, Plainview, So., G, 5-9

Ava McSwain, Good Hope, Sr., G, 5-10

Maddie Smith, Trinity, Sr., G, 5-8

Kaylee Yarbrough, New Hope, Sr., G, 5-9

 

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

Lauren Jimmerson, Plainview, Sr., G, 5-10

Jenna McClendon, Prattville Christian, Sr., C, 6-4

Francie Morris, Trinity, Sr., G, 5-8

Emily Mouser, Madison Academy, Sr., G, 5-6

Hannah Smith, Catholic-Montgomery, Jr., F, 6-0

 

THIRD-TEAM ALL-STATE

Kayden Carr, Prattville Christian, So., G, 5-10

Samantha Kokoszka, St. Michael, Jr., G, 5-11

Mya Moskowitz, Trinity, Sr., F, 5-10

Bella Reese, Dora, Jr., G, 5-9

Jaslyn Smith, Dale Co., So., F, 6-0

 

HONORABLE MENTION

Ellisan Givens, Cherokee Co., Jr., G, 5-7

Keyarria Stokes, Pleasant Grove, Sr., F, 5-11

Brooklynn Tucker, Madison Academy, Sr., G, 5-8

Kaden Ward, Geneva, Sr., F, 5-10

 

COACH OF THE YEAR

Krista Baldwin, Madison Academy

CLASS 4A BOYS

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

Keeyun Chapman, Jackson, Jr., C, 6-5

Milton Jones Jr., Fairfield, Jr., F, 6-6

Tucker Malin, Good Hope, Sr., G, 6-3

Quendavion McDowell, Alexandria, Sr., F, 6-2

Junior Smith, Dale Co., Jr., F, 6-6

 

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

Caleb Ackles, Anniston, Sr., F, 6-3

Grant Enfinger, Randolph, Jr., G, 6-4

RJ Gourley, Brooks, Sr., F, 6-3

Landon Henderson, West Morgan, So., G, 6-0

Sawyer Wilborn, Plainview, Jr., G, 6-0

 

THIRD-TEAM ALL-STATE

Cleo Bolar IV, Escambia Co., Jr., G, 6-0

John Morris, Trinity, Sr., F, 6-4

Joseph Taylor, Jackson, Jr., G, 6-3

Cy Traylor, Plainview, Jr., G, 5-8

Demarcus Williams, Fairfield, Sr., G, 6-0

 

HONORABLE MENTION

Kel Battle, Hamilton, Sr., G, 6-1

Andrew Dudley, New Hope, Sr., F, 6-4

Reid Jacoway, Cherokee Co., Sr., G, 6-0

Elijah Stegall, Handley, Fr., G, 6-0

 

COACH OF THE YEAR

Rusty Murks, Brooks

CLASS 3A GIRLS

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

Natalie Barton, St. James, So., G, 5-8

Belle Hill, Mars Hill Bible, Fr., G/F, 6-1

Shila Marks, Lauderdale Co., Sr., G, 5-9

Morgan Lilly, St. James, 8th, G, 5-7

Kamiya Webb, Midfield, So., C, 6-2

 

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

Meg Fountain, T.R. Miller, Sr., G, 5-5

Lailah Hill, Hale Co., Sr., G, 5-8

Kennah Beth Lacy, Winfield, Sr., C, 6-0

Kinlee Montgomery, Glencoe, So., G, 5-6

Reagan Robinson, Vinemont, Jr., G, 5-6

 

THIRD-TEAM ALL-STATE

Clarke Ivatt, Lee-Scott, Fr., G, 5-10

Hadley Kelly, Mobile Christian, So., C, 6-1

Kaley McEwen, Clements, Sr., F, 6-0

Mary Helen Mendheim, Houston Academy, Sr., G, 5-9

Ava Thomas, Holly Pond, Jr., G, 5-9

 

HONORABLE MENTION

Sania Angel, Saks, Jr., G, 5-7

Savannah Bookout, Whitesburg Christian, Fr., C, 6-2

Dana Cool, Northside Methodist, Sr., F, 5-4

TyKasia Williams, Beulah, Sr., G, 5-11

 

COACH OF THE YEAR

Carla Clemons, Lauderdale Co.

CLASS 3A BOYS

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

Emmanuel Clarton, Sumter Central, Sr., G, 6-6

Braden Gordon, Montgomery Academy, So., G, 6-4

Kadyn Mitchell, Houston Academy, Sr., G, 6-1

Eli Pounders, Mars Hill Bible, Sr., G, 6-6

Skyler Stovall, Montgomery Academy, Sr., G, 6-4

 

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

Armonie Franklin, Midfield, Sr., G, 5-11

Haiden Harper, Lee-Scott, Jr., G, 6-1

Gage Mayfield, Hale Co., Jr., F, 6-8

Garrett Morgan, Glencoe, Sr., G, 6-2

Grant Smith, Glencoe, So., F, 6-5

 

THIRD-TEAM ALL-STATE

Slate Gilbert, Winfield, Jr., G, 6-7

Jake Middlebrooks, Collinsville, Sr., C, 6-2

Rollie Pinto, Piedmont, Jr., G, 6-0

Kaden Ragland-Morris, Whitesburg Christian, So., F, 6-5

Blaq Taylor, Colbert Co., Fr., G, 5-11

 

HONORABLE MENTION

KeShawn Allen, Weaver, Sr., F, 6-3

Tyshawn Bowers, Wilcox Central, Sr., F, 6-5

Cooper Cox, Fyffe, Sr., G, 6-2

Gabe Glover, Houston Academy, Sr., G, 6-1

 

COACH OF THE YEAR

Ryan Chambless, Glencoe

CLASS 2A GIRLS

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

Campbell Barron, Pisgah, Jr., G, 5-9

Ella Dickerson, Cold Springs, Jr., G, 5-10

Leslie Hames, Decatur Heritage, Sr., G, 5-11

Kayden Reyes, North Sand Mountain, Jr., G, 5-5

Ella Wheeler, Sulligent, Sr., G, 5-11

 

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

Maddie Clanton, Sand Rock, So., G, 5-7

Lynleigh Cobb, Winston Co., Jr., F, 5-10

JaNya Foster, Highland Home, Sr., G, 5-8

Genie McGhee, Decatur Heritage, Sr., G, 5-9

Annabeth Townsend, Providence Christian, Sr., G, 5-4

 

THIRD-TEAM ALL-STATE

Keisha Anglin, Cottonwood, So., G, 5-6

Brylee Bailey, Ranburne, Sr., F, 6-1

Ny’Diqua Hardamon, Abbeville, Sr., G, 5-3

Kylie Vadon, Cedar Bluff, Jr., G, 5-5

MaKiah White, Lanett, Sr., F, 6-1

 

HONORABLE MENTION

Alyssa Freeman, Southeastern-Blount, Sr., G, 5-9

Ja’Kalynn McGinnis, Vincent, Sr., C, 5-11

Paisley Patalas, Pisgah, Jr., G, 5-7

Leah Pierce, Falkville, Fr., G, 5-7

 

COACH OF THE YEAR

Carey Ellison, Pisgah

CLASS 2A BOYS

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

Brady Wilson, Decatur Heritage, Sr., F, 6-7

Mica Merriman, Gaston, Sr., G, 6-5

Luke Gilbert, Pisgah, Sr., F, 6-2

Pearce Boone, Providence Christian, Jr., F, 6-5

Danilo Stojakovic, Tuscaloosa Academy, Sr., F, 6-5

 

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

Jordan Johnson, LaFayette, Sr., G, 6-1

Elyjah Jones, Tanner, Sr., F, 6-2

Khalil Luster, Red Bay, Fr., F, 6-7

Brodie Overdear, Section, Jr., G/F, 6-4

Luke Strickland, Providence Christian, Sr., G, 6-2

 

THIRD-TEAM ALL-STATE

Will Allen Chism, Sulligent, Sr., F, 6-5

Ellis Hamiter, Tuscaloosa Academy, Sr., G, 5-11

Quintavious Lloyd, LaFayette, Sr., G/F, 6-0

Lennox Myers, Barbour Co., Sr., C, 6-8

Tyde Traffanstedt, Sand Rock, So., G, 5-11

 

HONORABLE MENTION

Ahmod Billins, Abbeville, Jr., G, 6-2

Finn Henderson, Reeltown, Sr., G, 6-3

Braycen Johnson, Belgreen, Jr., G, 6-0

Jackson Mitchell, Pike Liberal Arts, Jr., G, 5-10

 

COACH OF THE YEAR

Luke Hutcheson, Tuscaloosa Academy

CLASS 1A GIRLS

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

Ace Austin, Spring Garden, Sr., G, 5-8

Sarah Davis, Shoals Christian, Sr., G/F, 5-10

Chauncey Dixon, McIntosh, Sr., C, 6-2

Hadlee Sanderson, Brilliant, Jr., C, 5-11

A’lyric Whitfield, Elba, Sr., G, 5-8

 

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

Sarah Allen, Waterloo, Sr., C, 5-10

Lillie Boggan, Georgiana, Sr., G, 5-6

Maggie Jarrett, Spring Garden, Sr., G/F, 5-8

Makinley Traylor, Ider, Jr., G, 5-4

Allyx Williamson, Kinston, So., F, 5-11

 

THIRD-TEAM ALL-STATE

Brooke Blakely, Athens Bible, Sr., G, 5-8

Katelyn Brown, Winterboro, Jr., G, 5-6

Ella Davis, St. Bernard, Fr., G, 5-8

Macy Moore, Brilliant, Sr., G, 5-11

Breoynce Myers, R.C. Hatch, Sr., C, 5-9

 

HONORABLE MENTION

Georgia Gardner, Hubbertville, Jr., G, 5-4

Amelia Haney, Victory Christian, Jr., G, 5-0

Myia Mount, Brantley, Sr., C, 5-11

Jordin Ware, Hackleburg, Jr., F, 5-10

 

COACH OF THE YEAR

Ryan Sanderson, Brilliant

CLASS 1A BOYS

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

Nasir Cheatham, Georgiana, Sr., F/C, 6-4

Austin Germono, Oakwood Adventist, Sr., G, 5-11

Jayden Parks, Brantley, Sr., G, 6-0

Isiah Thomas, R.C. Hatch, Jr., F, 6-6

John Welsh, Spring Garden, Sr., F, 6-4

 

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

Will Avans, Skyline, Sr., F, 6-3

Jesse Gannaway, Jacksonville Christian, Sr., G, 6-2

Merion Jones, R.C. Hatch, Sr., G, 6-3

Kane Rushing, Hubbertville, So., G, 6-0

Jacob Welsh, Spring Garden, Sr., C, 6-7

 

THIRD-TEAM ALL-STATE

Rayshon Coleman, Florala, Sr., G, 6-1

Jordan Jackson, Berry, Jr., C, 6-5

Jon Harper Kilcrease, Brantley, Sr., F, 6-2

Jaquan Reeder, Hackleburg, Sr., G, 6-0

Christopher Thompson, Holy Spirit, Sr., G, 5-10

 

HONORABLE MENTION

Nehemiah McCary, Maplesville, Fr., F, 6-3

Noah Hester, Athens Bible, Sr., F, 6-4

Noah Lee, Jacksonville Christian, Jr., F, 6-3

Frisco Robertson, Wadley, Jr., G, 5-11

 

COACH OF THE YEAR

Kris Hood, R.C. Hatch