Escambia County’s Williams selected to first team of ASWA Class 4A boys All-State basketball team
Published 5:00 am Saturday, March 16, 2024
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Escambia County’s Stephen Williams loves the game of basketball.
The 6-foot-8 senior center’s love of the game showed out this season as he was selected to the first team of the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Class 4A Boys All-State basketball team, which was released today.
Williams averaged 11.3 points and 9.1 rebounds each game this season. The Blue Devils fell to eventual state champion Jackson in the regional final.
Williams said it’s a blessing to be selected on the first team because of the hard work he put in last season.
“I worked hard enough,” Williams said. “I appreciate my coach (Layton Knight) for pushing me. It’s been a goal of mine since the beginning of the season. I was second team All-State last year.”
Williams added that big thanks go to head football coach Vincent Harris and assistant coach Devon Robinson, who pushed him to always be his best.
When asked what his progression has been like since his junior year, Williams said the main thing for him was his mindset.
“I focused on blocking out the outside noise and just being me,” he said. “Nobody can take that away from me.”
Williams said he really started appreciating the game during his sophomore year. He was suffering an injury, and the time away put into perspective how much he loved the game.
“From that point forward, I knew how much energy and effort I was going to put into the game,” he said.
Williams said the reason why he loves the game is because it’s been like this since he was a child.
“Me and my brothers (Lue and Sheldon) playing in the backyard, and having fun loving the game,” he said.
On Sheldon’s influence, Williams said he likes to call his older brother his best teammate.
“He pushes me on and off the court,” Williams said. “He has always been a good big brother at home and at school.”
Williams said he tries to mold his game around NBA star and Milwaukee Bucks guard Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“But my real role models in the game have to be my brothers,” he said. “They’ve always pushed me.”
Williams is the son of Shirley Williams of Atmore.
Escambia County’s Cleo Bolar Jr. was selected as an honorable mention on the All-State team.
The Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State high school basketball teams, honorable mentions and coaches of the year:
CLASS 7A GIRLS
First-team All-State
Syriah Daniels, Auburn, Sr., G, 6-1
Khloe Ford, Hoover, So., C, 6-3
Sarah Gordon, Vestavia Hills, Jr., G, 5-11
Jordan Hunter, Hewitt-Trussville, Sr., G, 5-10
Jabria Lindsey, Central-Phenix City, So., G, 5-9
Second-team All-State
Jenice Adjessom, Davidson, Sr., G, 5-6
Kaitlyn Gipson, Hoover, Jr., G, 5-5
Kei Knight, Foley, Jr., G-F, 5-8
Ja’Kyah Smith, Bob Jones, So., G, 5-10
Haley Trotter, Chelsea, Jr., F-C, 6-0
Third-team All-State
Jayla Forbes, Thompson, Fr., C, 6-6
Madi-Marie Grayson, Alma Bryant, So., G, 5-6
Brooke Hallman, Auburn, Jr., G, 5-9
KeLeigh Mullens, Prattville, So., G, 5-6
Ariana Peagler, Hoover, Sr., G, 5-6
Honorable mention
Sarah Amos, Enterprise, Jr., C, 6-2
Janiyah Bone, Bob Jones, Sr., G, 5-8
Jamya Griffin, Sparkman, Sr., G, 5-10
Jayla West-Young, Prattville, Jr., G, 5-7
Coach of the year
Krystle Johnson, Hoover
CLASS 7A BOYS
First-team All-State
DeWayne Brown, Hoover, Jr., F, 6-9
Jacoby Hill, Central-Phenix City, Jr., G, 6-4
Caleb Harrison, Huntsville, Sr., F, 6-10
Salim London, Hoover, Jr., G, 6-5
Eric Winters, Enterprise, Jr., F, 6-2
Second-team All-State
Jamicah Adair, JAG, Sr., G, 5-10
Jordan Johnson, Austin, Sr., G, 6-3
Colben Landrew, Thompson, So., G, 6-6
Desmond Williams, Baker, Jr., G, 6-2
Simon Walker, Huntsville, Jr., G, 6-5
Third-team All-State
Jarett Fairley, Hoover, Jr., G, 6-2
Bryant James, Florence, Jr., G, 6-2
McRae Taul, Fairhope, Sr., F, 6-6
Tucker Wadsworth, Enterprise, So., G, 6-5
Jackson Weaver, Vestavia Hills, Sr., G, 6-2
Honorable mention
Korbin Long, Spain Park, Sr., G, 5-10
Spence Sims, Fairhope, Sr., G, 6-1
Reid Stodghill, Hewitt-Trussville, Sr., F, 6-8
Erik Washington, Mary Montgomery, Sr., C, 6-5
Coach of the year
Rhett Harrelson, Enterprise
CLASS 6A GIRLS
First-team All-State
Jazmyn Bigham, Theodore, Sr., F, 5-10
Jareah Branch, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Jr., G, 6-0
Leah Brooks, Hazel Green, Sr., F, 6-2
Tamiria Jones, Huffman, Sr., G, 5-9
Xai’Onna Whitfield, Oxford, Sr., G, 5-8
Second-team All-State
Lamiya Batimba, Lee-Huntsville, Sr., F, 5-9
Saniya Jackson, Park Crossing, Jr., G, 5-8
Tee King, Pelham, So., G, 5-7
Amiya Redus, Hazel Green, Sr., G, 5-8
Angela Williams, Shades Valley, Sr., F, 6-1
Third-team All-State
Tamora Brown, Muscle Shoals, Sr., G, 5-6
Reagan Burroughs, McGill-Toolen, Fr., C, 6-0
Jamiria Jones, Huffman, Sr., G-F, 5-9
Keyarra Scottland, Mortimer Jordan, Sr., G, 5-5
Ally Sharpe, Cullman, So., G, 5-6
Honorable mention
Layla Berry, Gardendale, Fr., G, 5-9
Hannah Burks, Hartselle, Fr., G, 5-9
Sinaya Gibson, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Sr., C, 6-0
Kameron Sanders, Clay-Chalkville, Sr., G, 5-7
Coach of the year
Freeah Smith, Park Crossing
CLASS 6A BOYS
First-team All-State
Ty Davis, Mountain Brook, Sr., G, 6-5
Caleb Holt, Buckhorn, So., G, 6-6
Conor McPherson, Carver-Montgomery, Sr., F, 6-4
Peyton Wiggins, Huffman, Jr., G, 6-2
Josh Williams, Helena, Sr., G, 6-3
Second-team All-State
Jaylen Alexander, Oxford, So., G, 6-0
Jake Dorough, Cullman, Jr., G, 6-2
Tristan Gilmore, McAdory, Sr., F, 6-5
Clyde Walters, Pinson Valley, So., G, 6-7
Adrian Wooley, Paul Bryant, Sr., G, 6-5
Third-team All-State
Tanner Chandler, Mortimer Jordan, Jr., F-G, 6-3
Drew Mears, Briarwood, So., G, 5-10
Jackson Murphy, McGill-Toolen, Sr., G, 6-1
Jakobi Sharp, Gadsden City, So., G, 6-2
Ke’Shawn Watkins, Lee-Huntsville, Sr., F, 6-4
Honorable mention
Jay Bolar, Baldwin Co., Sr., C, 6-4
Devon McKinnon, Clay-Chalkville, Jr., G, 6-4
Luke Stephens, Fort Payne, Sr., G, 6-3
Ethan Stokes, McGill-Toolen, Jr., F, 6-7
Coach of the year
Lucas McDonald, Helena
CLASS 5A GIRLS
First-team All-State
Mia Hollingsworth, Jasper, Sr., G, 5-8
Missy Odom, Jasper, So., C, 6-3
Grace Anne Rose, Southside-Gadsden, Sr., C, 5-10
Tamya Smith, Pleasant Grove, Sr., F, 6-1
Bree Sexton, Scottsboro, Jr., F, 5-10
Second-team All-State
Jamonica Chambers, Vigor, So., G, 6-5
Samarian Franklin, Wenonah, Jr., G, 5-2
Tazi Harris, Guntersville, Sr., F, 6-0
Lily Livingston, Arab, Sr., G, 5-9
Erin Martin, Brewbaker Tech, Sr., G, 5-11
Third-team All-State
Aubrey Machen, Lincoln, Fr., G, 5-7
Kennedi McGhee, Brewbaker Tech, Jr., C, 6-1
Izzy Nelson, Scottsboro, Fr., F, 5-11
Serenity Rutledge, Moody, 8th, G, 5-5
Liberty Shadix, West Point, Sr., F, 6-1
Honorable mention
Jillian Baine, Brewbaker Tech, Jr., G, 5-10
Keyona Royal, Gulf Shores, Jr., F, 5-11
Brooklynn Tucker, Madison Academy, Jr., G, 5-9
Jamyia Washington, Vigor, Sr., G, 5-7
Coach of the year
Blake Laney, Jasper
CLASS 5A BOYS
First-team All-State
Cam Dooley, Valley, Sr., F, 6-4
Terrel Johnson, Vigor, Sr., F, 6-2
Joshia Jones, Fairfield, Sr., G, 6-0
EJ King, Russellville, Jr., G, 6-1
Jackson Porch, Guntersville, Sr., G, 6-0
Second-team All-State
Toney Coleman Jr., Eufaula, Sr., G, 6-3
Milton Jones, Fairfield, So., F, 6-5
Quendavion McDowell, Alexandria, Jr., C, 6-2
Eli Morton, Sardis, Sr., C, 6-6
Brandon Thomas, Valley, Sr., C, 6-7
Third-team All-State
Revish Bardwell, Sylacauga, Sr., F, 6-4
Jywon Boyd, Charles Henderson, Sr., G, 5-10
Corien Coleman, Williamson, So., G, 6-3
Albert Holcombe, Vigor, Sr., F, 6-3
Jayden Williams, Ramsay, Jr., G, 6-6
Honorable mention
Zak Cain, East Limestone, Jr., G, 6-2
Braylon Dame, Lawrence Co., Jr., G, 6-2
Jay Lamar, West Point, Jr., G, 5-10
Michael Stanford, Madison Academy, So., F, 6-6
Coach of the year
Jairus Jackson, Vigor
CLASS 4A GIRLS
First-team All-State
Kayden Carr, Prattville Christian, Fr., G, 5-8
Reece Davis, Deshler, Fr., G, 5-7
Ivey Maddox, Good Hope, Sr., G, 5-10
Ava McSwain, Good Hope, Jr., G, 5-10
Tykeria Smith, Anniston, Sr., F, 5-8
Second-team All-State
Faith Brown, Cleburne Co., Sr., F, 5-8
Meg Fountain, T.R. Miller, Jr., G, 5-5
Avery Rogers, Prattville Christian, Sr., G, 5-7
Hannah Smith, Catholic-Montgomery, So., F, 5-11
Aubrey Sorrells, Hamilton, Sr., G-F, 6-1
Third-team All-State
Tyra Caves, Jackson, Sr., G, 5-7
Mary Hayes Johnson, Cherokee Co., Sr., G, 5-4
Bailey Tetro, Good Hope, Sr., G, 5-4
Trinity Webb, Talladega, Sr., F, 5-9
Kaylee Yarbrough, New Hope, Jr., G, 5-9
Honorable mention
Char’tavia Conwell, Bibb Co., Sr., F, 6-0
Abby Langlois, Priceville, So., C, 6-1
A’Kayla Perry, Anniston, Sr., G, 5-6
Raegan Rickard, Deshler, Sr., G, 5-7
Coach of the year
Justin Aby, Good Hope
CLASS 4A BOYS
First-team All-State
Devin Barksdale, Jacksonville, Jr., G, 6-0
Micah Caster, Jackson, Sr., G, 6-1
Davis Dare, American Christian, Sr., G, 5-9
Evan Griffin, Geneva, Sr., F, 6-9
Stephen Williams, Escambia Co., Sr., C, 6-8
Second-team All-State
Keeyun Chapman, Jackson, So., C, 6-4
Eric Hines, American Christian, Jr., F, 6-3
Dezmond Nichols, DAR, Sr., G, 6-3
Tyler Sigers, Andalusia, Sr., G, 6-1
Josh Wheeler, White Plains, Sr., G, 6-2
Third-team All-State
Kmal Bell, Good Hope, Sr., G, 6-0
Trey Bolt, DAR, Sr., G, 5-8
Ja’Von Chism, Montevallo, Sr., G, 6-2
Jameson Scissum, Etowah, Jr., G, 6-3
Cade Segars, Prattville Christian, Jr., G, 5-10
Honorable mention
Cleo Bolar Jr., Escambia Co., So., G, 6-0
Sims Druhan, UMS-Wright, Sr., C, 6-5
Gage Mayfield, Hale Co., So., F, 6-7
Riley McGehee, New Hope, Sr., C, 6-6
Coach of the year
Austin Grammer, American Christian
CLASS 3A GIRLS
First-team All-State
Ava Card, St. James, Sr., G, 6-1
Leah Childress, Clements, Jr., G, 5-7
Sawyer Kate Hulgan, Plainview, Fr., G, 5-9
Shila Marks, Lauderdale Co., Jr., G, 5-7
] Maddie Smith, Trinity, Jr., G, 5-8
Second-team All-State
Aubrey Foy, Childersburg, Sr., F, 5-10
Amiyah Lewis, Ashford, Jr., G, 5-10
Francie Morris, Trinity, Jr., G, 5-8
Mya Moskowitz, Trinity, Jr., G, 5-11
Lani Smallwood, Susan Moore, So., G, 5-7
Third-team All-State
Shamya Allison, Southside-Selma, Sr., G, 5-8
Tay Tay Farrar, Clements, Sr., G, 5-8
Ava Pope, Piedmont, Sr., G, 5-8
Annabeth Townsend, Providence Christian, Jr., G, 5-4
Kamiya Webb, Midfield, Fr., C, 6-2
Honorable mention
Natalie Barton, St. James, Fr., G, 5-8
Taylor Davidson, Cottage Hill, Sr., G, 5-6
Sky Latham, Gordo, Fr., G-F, 5-5
Allyx Williamson, Straughn, Fr., F, 5-10
Coach of the year
Blake Smith, Trinity
CLASS 3A BOYS
First-team All-State
Emmanuel Clarton, Sumter Central, Jr., G-F, 6-5
Jaxon Colvin, Geraldine, Sr., F, 6-4
Jonathan Fitch, Sumter Central, Sr., G, 6-4
Armonie Franklin, Midfield, Jr., G, 5-10
Trey Simpson, Hillcrest-Evergreen, Jr., F, 6-7
Second-team All-State
Aaron Adams-Martin, Midfield, So., G, 6-1
Miles Edwards, Lauderdale Co., Sr., G, 6-1
Slate Gilbert, Winfield, So., G, 6-5
Moses McDowell, Daleville, Sr., G-F, 6-4
Skyler Stovall, Montgomery Academy, Jr., G, 6-4
Third-team All-State
Garrett Morgan, Glencoe, Jr., G, 6-3
John Morris, Trinity, Jr., F, 6-4
Clay Scofield, Cottage Hill, Sr., G, 6-5
Landon White, Plainview, Sr., C, 6-6
Avion Willis, Randolph Co., Sr., F, 6-3
Honorable mention
Pearce Boone, Providence Christian, So., F-G, 6-5
AJ Holladay, Danville, Sr., G, 5-9
Rod Jackson, Houston Academy, Sr., G, 6-2
Isaiah Jones, Vinemont, Sr., F, 6-0
Coach of the year
Terean Pinkney, Hillcrest-Evergreen
CLASS 2A GIRLS
First-team All-State
Ella Dickerson, Cold Springs, So., F, 5-10
Belle Hill, Mars Hill Bible, 8th, G, 6-0
Kennzie Smith, Ider, So., G, 5-5
Katelyn St.Clair, Sand Rock, Sr., G, 5-9
Ella Wheeler, Sulligent, Jr., G, 5-10
Second-team All-State
Campbell Barron, Pisgah, So., G, 5-8
Faith Evans, Locust Fork, Sr., G, 5-11
Leslie Hames, Decatur Heritage, Jr., G, 5-10
Saniya Keys, Cottonwood, Sr., C-F, 6-1
Kayden Reyes, North Sand Mountain, So., G., 5-5
Third-team All-State
Ella Bruer, Cold Springs, Sr., G, 5-5
Jamya Glover, Abbeville, Sr., C-F, 6-0
Nakeriona Heard, Lanett, So., G, 5-9
Shaquondra Holcombe, Washington Co., Sr., C, 5-10
Kadence Rolston, Mars Hill Bible, Jr., F, 5-10
Honorable mention
Kesha Anglin, Cottonwood, Fr., G, 5-6
Brantley Edberg, Samson, Sr., G, 5-7
Carly King, Tuscaloosa Academy, Sr., G, 5-7
Zyan Peterson, Luverne, Sr., F, 5-9
Coach of the year
Jamie Pruett, Ider
CLASS 2A BOYS
First-team All-State
Jakaleb Faulk, Highland Home, Jr., F, 6-3
Mica Merriman, Gaston, Jr., G, 6-4
Vederrian Story, LaFayette, Sr., G, 6-1
Carson Thrasher, Mars Hill Bible, Sr., G, 5-9
Levi White, Locust Fork, Jr., F, 6-4
Second-team All-State
Cooper Cox, Fyffe, Jr., G, 6-1
Gabe Glover, Wicksburg, Jr., G, 6-1
Eli Pounders, Mars Hill Bible, Jr., G, 6-6
Danilo Stojakovic, Tuscaloosa Academy, Jr., F, 6-5
Skylar Townsend, Tanner, Sr., G-F, 6-3
Third-team All-State
Kollin Brown, Holly Pond, Sr., G, 5-9
Kahne Little, Hatton, Sr., G, 5-10
Jake Middlebrooks, Collinsville, Jr., C, 6-2
Brady Wilson, Decatur Heritage, Jr., F, 6-7
Chris Wilson, B.B. Comer, Sr., F, 6-4
Honorable mention
Lawson Glover, Red Bay, Sr., F, 6-5
Slade Grantham, Zion Chapel, Sr., G, 6-0
Ian Senn, Ariton, Sr., G, 6-2
DeAundra Vines, LaFayette, Sr., G, 5-10
Coach of the year
Michael Merriman, Gaston
CLASS 1A GIRLS
First-team All-State
Ace Austin, Spring Garden, Jr., G, 5-7
Libby Brown, Spring Garden, Sr., G, 5-8
Sarah Davis, Shoals Christian, Jr., G-F, 5-10
Kaina King, Skyline, Sr., G, 5-5
Alyric Whitfield, Elba, Jr., G, 5-6
Second-team All-State
Lillie Boggan, Georgiana, Jr., G, 5-6
Jolie Kate Cox, Marion Co., So., G-F, 5-10
Chauncey Dixon, Leroy, Jr., C, 6-2
Haley Hendrix, Victory Christian, Sr., F, 5-8
Kaley Norris, Kinston, Sr., G, 5-6
Third-team All-State
Makasiah Burns, Autaugaville, Sr., F, 5-9
Caroline Lambert, Waterloo, Sr., G, 5-9
JaKayla Moore, Keith, Jr., G, 5-4
Chloe Rule, Spring Garden, Sr., C, 6-1
Hadlee Sanderson, Brilliant, So., F, 5-11
Honorable mention
A’Mya Brown, Wadley, Jr., G, 5-8
Kylee Dunn, Hubbertville, Sr., F, 6-0
Dacota Green, Belgreen, Jr., F, 5-6
Alex Grimes, Brantley, Fr., G, 5-7
Coach of the year
Ricky Austin, Spring Garden
CLASS 1A BOYS
First-team All-State
Joe Aldridge, Marion Co., Sr., G, 6-1
Nasir Cheatham, Georgiana, Jr., F-C, 6-4
Trey Kellogg, Covenant Christian, Sr., G, 6-4
Javen Poindexter, Red Level, Sr., G, 6-2
Tommy Tisdale III, Keith, Sr., G, 6-3
Second-team All-State
Jalen Chandler, Covenant Christian, Jr., F, 6-7
Kaveon Miles, Georgiana, Jr., G, 6-2
Jayden Parks, Brantley, Jr., G, 6-0
Tyler Robertson, Calhoun, Jr., G-F, 6-3
John Welsh, Spring Garden, Jr., F, 6-4
Third-team All-State
Rayshon Coleman, Florala, Jr., G, 6-0
Alvin Henderson, Elba, Jr., G, 5-11
Bryant Kennamer, Skyline, Sr., G, 5-6
Sam Peek, Woodville, Sr., F, 6-3
Brittney Reed Jr., McIntosh, Sr., F, 6-7
Honorable mention
Kyler Bradley, Gaylesville, Sr., G, 6-0
Reshawn Charleston, South Lamar, Sr., F, 6-5
Cale Tittle, Lynn, Sr., G, 6-0
Jed Wilkins, Addison, Jr., G, 6-2
Coach of the year
Kirk Norris, Georgiana
AISA GIRLS
First-team All-State
Haley Briggs, Lowndes Academy, Sr., F, 6-0
Lindsey Brown, Edgewood, Sr., G, 5-7
Madison Davis, Lee-Scott, Sr., G, 5-5
Takayla Davis, Glenwood, Sr., F, 6-1
Shalexia Little, Springwood, Jr., G, 6-0
Second-team All-State
Molli Blaylock, Clarke Prep, Jr., F, 5-9
Anna Grace Griggs, Glenwood, Sr., F, 5-10
Chloe Helms, Lakeside, Sr., G, 5-5
Zy McNeal, Escambia Academy, Fr., G, 5-7
Kate Wilkins, Pickens Academy, Sr., F, 5-11
Third-team All-State
Anna Grace Blalock, Abbeville Christian, Sr., F, 5-7
Brinkley Long, Fort Dale Academy, Jr., G, 5-9
Madison Martin, Edgewood, Sr., C, 6-2
Symone McNeil, Evangel Christian, Fr., G, 5-4
Jamya Powell, Macon-East, So., F, 5-10
Honorable mention
Lyla Carlisle, Clarke Prep, Jr., G, 5-7
Mary Kathryn Harris, Lee-Scott, Sr., F, 5-10
Sarah Moore, Morgan Academy, So., G, 5-4
Leah Pace, Heritage Christian, Fr., G, 5-8
Coach of the year
Haley Rosa, Evangel Christian
AISA BOYS
First-team All-State
Noah Gassner, Cornerstone-Columbiana, Sr., G, 6-3
Deshawn Hall, Valiant Cross, Fr., G, 6-5
Haiden Harper, Lee-Scott, So., G, 6-1
Clayton Hussey, Lowndes Academy, Sr., G, 6-2
Jonathan Winston, Bessemer Academy, Sr., F, 6-5
Second-team All-State
Ben Aldridge, Lee-Scott, Sr., F, 6-3
Dalton Bracknell, Patrician, Sr., G, 6-1
Quinton Odom, Escambia Academy, Sr., F, 6-8
Micah Thomas, Springwood, Jr., G, 6-0
Campbell Webb, Southern Academy, Sr., G, 6-0
Third-team All-State
Jordan Jeter, Bessemer Academy, Sr., G, 5-11
Jay Lindsey, Patrician, Sr., C, 6-5
William McCord, Evangel Christian, Sr., G, 6-2
Issac Smith, Banks Academy, Sr., G-F, 6-3
Ja’Varse Turner, Abbeville Christian, Sr., C, 6-5
Honorable mention
Johnny Groves, Edgewood, Sr., G, 6-1
Roshad Harris, Snook, Sr., G, 5-10
Jadarian Holloway, Glenwood, Fr., G, 5-8
CJ Williams, Morgan Academy, So., G, 5-11
Coach of the year
Scott Phillips, Edgewood