Zak Cain punctuated his exceptional prep career with one final accolade.

The East Limestone senior was honored at Thursday’s Alabama Sports Writers Association’s annual banquet as one of three finalists for Class 5A Boys Player of the Year, which was ultimately awarded to Russellville’s EJ King.

Ramsay’s Jayden Williams was also a finalist.

Cain averaged 18.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per outing last season, helping lead the Indians to the Sweet 16 and picking up 5A first-team All-State accolades. He was also named The News Courier’s Boys Player of the Year.

The humble Cain made sure to dole out appreciation for those who helped him along the way.

“First, I would like to thank God for being with me while playing the game I love,” he said. “I also thank my parents and family for believing in me and encouraging me to reach my goals. Lastly, I would like to thank my coaches and teammates for creating long-lasting memories throughout my career.”

Spring Garden’s Ace Austin and Hoover’s DeWayne Brown were selected Miss and Mr. Basketball, respectively. See Players of the Year from each classification as well as Super-All State selections below.

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SUPER ALL-STATE

(top 5 players regardless of classification)

Girls

Ace Austin, Spring Garden (Miss Basketball)

Saniya Jackson, Park Crossing

Lani Smallwood, Albertville

Belle Hill, Mars Hill Bible

Shila Marks, Lauderdale Co.

 

Boys

DeWayne Brown, Hoover (Mr. Basketball)

J.D. Gossett, Huntsville

Salim London, Hoover

Jacoby Hill, Central-Phenix City

Austin Coner, Pinson Valley

 

GIRLS PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

7A: Lani Smallwood, Albertville

6A: Saniya Jackson, Park Crossing

5A: Samarian Franklin, Wenonah

4A: Ava McSwain, Good Hope

3A: Belle Hill, Mars Hill Bible

2A: Campbell Barron, Pisgah

1A: Ace Austin, Spring Garden

AISA: Shalexia Little, Springwood

 

BOYS PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

7A: DeWayne Brown, Hoover

6A: Austin Coner, Pinson Valley

5A: EJ King, Russellville

4A: Milton Jones Jr., Fairfield

3A: Skyler Stovall, Montgomery Academy

2A: Danilo Stojakovic, Tuscaloosa Academy

1A: Jayden Parks, Brantley

AISA: Deshawn Hall, Valiant Cross