Allen, Lavergne Highlight 2023 LSWA Class 1A All-State Basketball Squad
By BRIAN TRAHAN // Written for the LSWA
North Central’s De’Vion Lavergne and Northwood-Lena’s Na’Kiya Allen have two things in common on the hardwood — outstanding individual accomplishments and team championships.
Now both players also have Class 1A Outstanding Player awards as voted on by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.
Lavergne led North Central to a Division IV nonselect title by averaging 26.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, helping the Hurricanes defeat Franklin in the championship game.
It took a little extra time on the clock, but Allen and Northwood-Lena battled defending Division IV select champion Southern Lab into overtime, capturing the state crown with a three-point victory. Northwood was the 1A champion in 2022.
The Kilgore College commit averaged 22 points and 12 rebounds per game during a dominant senior season.
Antonio Hudson had many distractions to deal with off the court during Lincoln Prep’s run to the state tournament — including the death of his mentor and legendary Grambling Lab coach Michael Lyons and leading a team that had no home court to defend. On the court, Hudson led the Panthers to the Division IV select championship game and 24-5 campaign. He has been named Class 1A Boys Coach of the Year.
Hamilton Christian did not field a team three years ago. After a winless first season of competition and six victories last year, Edwin Colbert took over the program and promptly led them to a 22-7 record and a berth in the Division IV Select semifinals in year one. His efforts are deserving of the girls’ Class 1A Coach of the Year .
LSWA CLASS 1A BASKETBALL CHARTS
BOYS
FIRST TEAM
Player School Ht. Cl. Avg.
Omarion Layssard Northwood 6-1 Sr. 21.0
Bralyn Mayfield Lincoln Prep 6-4 Sr. 18.3
De’Vion Lavergne North Central 6-3 Sr. 26.9
Isiah Stevens Crescent City 6-0 So. 22.8
Jalan Washington White Castle 6-2 Sr. 18.0
SECOND TEAM
Player School Ht. Cl. Avg.
Bryson Colbert Hamilton Christian 6-2 Sr. 16.5
Damondrick Blackburn Central Catholic 5-10 Sr. 17.9
Randarius Morris Northwood 6-4 Sr. 13.0
Mckennis Savoie North Central 6-2 Jr. 20.8
Matt Weaver St. Martin’s 6-2 Jr. 18.1
OUTSTANDING PLAYER: DE’VION LAVERGNE, NORTH CENTRAL
COACH OF THE YEAR: ANTONIO HUDSON, LINCOLN PREP
HONORABLE MENTION: Dwight Magee, Crescent City; Ja’Marcus Fisher; Magnolia Charter; Rodtrevious Crawley, Arcadia; Spencer Dunn, Homer; Ayden Warren, St. Mary’s; Joe Metoyer, St. Mary’s; Ayden Warren, St. Mary’s; Benjamin Case, Central Catholic; Brandon Heard, Lincoln Prep.
GIRLS
FIRST TEAM
Player School Ht. Cl. Avg.
Na’Kiyah Allen Northwood 5-11 Sr. 22.0
Rhianna Battles Northwood 5-5 Jr. 12.0
Laurielle Bias Central Catholic 5-5 Jr. 21.5
Shaila Forman Southern Lab 5-9 So. 17.8
Kiara Comeaux Highland Baptist 5-7 Sr. 18.2
SECOND TEAM
Player School Ht. Cl. Avg.
Anna Dale Melton Ouachita Christian 5-5 Sr. 15.0
Da’Zya Johnson Northwood 5-11 So. 16.0
Allie Furr Cedar Creek 5-6 Sr. 18.0
Layla Tell Haynesville 5-11 So. 15.0
Kori Wesley White Castle 5-1 8th 21.3
OUTSTANDING PLAYER: NA’KIYA ALLEN, NORTHWOOD-LENA
COACH OF THE YEAR: EDWIN COLBERT, HAMILTON CHRISTIAN
HONORABLE MENTION: DeAsia Alexander, Arcadia; Z’Riah Buggs, Homer; Asia Patin, Southern Lab; Lila Lewis, East Beauregard; Jade Oliney, Central Catholic; Alainah Felton, Riverside Academy; Lizzie McAdams, Cedar Creek; Asijah Wright, Lincoln Prep; McKenzie Deville, Hamilton Christian; Myracle Revon, Riverside Academy.