Class 5A Boys Basketball All-State Teams

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Louisiana's Finest: Hudson Headlines Back2Back as 5A MVP</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 season showcased an incredible wealth of talent in Louisiana's Class 5A, headlined by a trio of dominant underclassmen. For the second year in a row, Ruston junior [player_tooltip player_id='2132725' first='Ahmad' last='Hudson'] has been named the LSWA's Most Outstanding Player, cementing his status as the state's premier big man. He is joined at the top by his explosive sophomore teammate [player_tooltip player_id='2532089' first='Darren' last='Ford'] and Zachary's superstar junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2132747' first='Ian' last='Edmond'], who both delivered spectacular seasons to earn First Team honors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Most Outstanding Player: [player_tooltip player_id='2132725' first='Ahmad' last='Hudson'], Ruston</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Once again, [player_tooltip player_id='2132725' first='Ahmad' last='Hudson'] stands alone as the best player in Class 5A. The 6-foot-8 junior proved to be an unstoppable force, earning his second consecutive MVP award from both the LSWA and his district. While leading Ruston to a historic state championship appearance, he posted staggering averages of&nbsp;<strong>19.7 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks</strong>. His dominance in the paint and consistent production were unmatched throughout the season. His national recognition as a 4 Star Basketball and Football player has redefined athletic excellence while placing him in the national rankings in the top 20 in two sports. He has also been recognized as Gatorade Player of the Year and Max Preps Player of the Year, and Max Preps All American Third Team, with another year of High School to dominate. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A Glimpse at the First Team Elite</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The First Team features a collection of the state's most dynamic players, including two other stars who captivated fans all season long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2132747' first='Ian' last='Edmond'], Zachary:</strong> Fresh off winning back-to-back state championship game MVP awards, Edmond has solidified his case as arguably, the best guard in Louisiana. Known for his clutch play in the biggest moments, he guided Zachary through a season with only two losses in the state's toughest division, proving himself to be a true giant-slayer. Edmonds is a player without flaw, but that has come through tough lessons and waiting his turn. His mamba approach to the game keeps him on the side of winning and grows his name with each victory. <br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2532089' first='Darren' last='Ford'], Ruston:</strong> In a phenomenal debut season, the sophomore guard immediately established himself as an elite scorer. Ford led the Bearcats with <strong>20.7 points and 3.1 assists per game</strong>. He took his game to another level in the postseason, pouring in an average of 22.5 points per game during the state tournament, demonstrating a poise well beyond his years. Ford was an all state player as a freshman posting averages of <strong>20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists </strong>as a 14 yr old prodigy. At 15 yrs old he continues to perform beyond his years, and his selection comes as no surprise.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 LSWA Class 5A All-State Selections</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OUTSTANDING PLAYER:</strong>&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='2132725' first='Ahmad' last='Hudson'], Ruston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>First Team</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2132747' first='Ian' last='Edmond']</strong>, Zachary (6-1, Jr., 19.7 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2532089' first='Darren' last='Ford']</strong>, Ruston (6-2, So., 20.7 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2132725' first='Ahmad' last='Hudson']</strong>, Ruston (6-8, Jr., 19.7 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1543684' first='Autrail' last='Manning']</strong>, John Curtis (6-1, Sr., 14.2 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2700512' first='Aaron' last='Miles']</strong>, St. Augustine (5-8, Jr., 18.0 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Second Team</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2399753' first='Jarvell' last='Bordelon']</strong>, Alexandria (6-1, Sr., 16.7 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2894296' first='Jace' last='Conrad']</strong>, Central (6-2, Sr., 16.8 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2414908' first='Ja'Dell' last='Demery']</strong>, Natchitoches Central (6-4, Sr., 18.3 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2892386' first='Khalil' last='Fisher']</strong>, Karr (6-3, Jr., 17.6 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Jeremy Williams</strong> Jr. Denham Springs (6-1, Jr., 15.0 PPG)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Honorable Mention</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amod Randolph, Thibodaux; Braylon Carter, Barbe; [player_tooltip player_id='2692416' first='Cole' last='Doucet'], Sulphur; Da'Sean Golmond, Denham Springs; DJ Schonberg, St. Amant; [player_tooltip player_id='2132743' first='Ethan' last='Kimmie'], Zachary; Hudson Gautreaux, Thibodaux; Jace Johnson, Terrebonne; Ja'Vardes Brazile, St. Augustine; Jayden Austin, Neville; Jayden Simmons, Scotlandville; Jerry Birdlow, Slidell; [player_tooltip player_id='2883411' first='Jonnie' last='Walker'], John Curtis; Jordan Bedford, Covington; [player_tooltip player_id='2888725' first='Jude' last='Chamberlain'], Catholic; Justin Ward, H.L. Bourgeois; Kaden Downing, Hahnville; [player_tooltip player_id='2132758' first='KeShun' last='Malcolm'], Ruston; [player_tooltip player_id='1679403' first='Kevin' last='White'], Airline; [player_tooltip player_id='1543676' first='Kingston' last='Jarrell'], Woodlawn-Baton Rouge; LeSean Jones, Covington; Noah McDaniel, Brother Martin; Roger Williams, Northshore; Ronald Navarre, Rummel; Thomas Molette, Bonnabel; Trevez Walker, Destrehan; [player_tooltip player_id='2919651' first='Tyrie' last='Spencer'], Northshore; and Zach LaGraize, Jesuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->