Photo by Sarah Owens
Homewood women's basketball player Ellis McCool faced off against Fort Payne during the Northeast Regional tournament at Jacksonville State University on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. Photo by Sarah Owens.
Awards season is putting a bow on the 2024-25 high school basketball campaign, with a couple Homewood High School players being included on the Alabama Sports Writers Association all-state team.
Ellis McCool was recognized as part of the Class 6A second team, released by the ASWA on Saturday morning. Kaleb Carson was named honorable mention as well.
McCool exhibited signs of greatness throughout the season, highlighted by a 34-point, 20-rebound, five-block game against Huffman in the sub-regional round. For the season, she averaged 15.9 points and 8.2 rebounds each game.
Homewood’s girls made their first appearance at the regional tournament in five years this season under head coach Gavin King. The Lady Patriots went 22-11, winning the area tournament and its sub-regional contest to get to the Northeast Regional.
Carson, a junior guard, put together a great season for the Patriots. He was a second team selection on the Under the Lights All-South Metro Team, and averaged 15 points per game for Homewood after coming off the football field in the fall. Carson helped Homewood to a 19-11 record and an appearance in the 6A sub-regional round.
John Carroll's Emily Williams was named honorable mention in 5A after averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds on the season.
The entirety of the all-state teams are listed below:
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 Ann 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 G. 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
AISA GIRLS
FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE
Diamond Chankio, North River, So., F, 5-10
Camryn Hess, Lowndes Academy, Jr., F, 5-9
Shalexia Little, Springwood, Sr., G, 5-11
Tori Patillo, Springwood, Jr., G, 5-9
Lexie Smith, Edgewood, So., G, 5-3
SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE
Molli Blaylock, Clarke Prep, Sr., G, 5-8
Halle Burch, North River, Sr., C, 6-0
Isabel McPhearson, Patrician, So., G, 5-6
Brinkley Long, Fort Dale Academy, Sr., F, 5-10
Anna Roberts, Jackson Academy, Sr., G, 5-9
THIRD-TEAM ALL-STATE
Erica Burton, Evangel Christian, Sr., F, 5--11
Lyla Carlisle, Jackson Academy, Sr., G, 5-9
Amari George, Abbeville Christian, So., G, 5-5
Lakelyn Overstreet, Clarke Prep, Sr., G, 5-10
Haylon Self, Lowndes Academy, Sr., F, 5-7
HONORABLE MENTION
Krislynn Lee, Escambia Academy, 8th, G, 5-8
Grace Seale, Hooper, Sr., F, 5-10
COACH OF THE YEAR
Devin Roberts, Jackson Academy
AISA BOYS
FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE
Jayden Buckhannon, Abbeville Christian, Jr., G, 6-0
Nolan Cole, Hooper, Sr., G, 6-1
Deshawn Hall, Valiant Cross, So., G, 6-5
Tylon Shine, Evangel-Montgomery, Sr., F, 6-4
Ronta Watson, Escambia Academy, Jr., G, 5-10
SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE
Zeke Adams, Cornerstone-Columbiana, Sr., G, 6-0
Julian Curry, Wilcox Academy, Jr., G, 5-10
CJ Johnson, Springwood, Jr., G, 6-1
Tavarus Robinson, Banks Academy, Sr., G, 6-0
Joshua Thompson, Bessemer Academy, Sr., G, 5-10
THIRD-TEAM ALL-STATE
James Cosby, Valiant Cross, So., F, 6-4
Jaylin Johnson, Banks Academy, Sr., G, 5-9
Luke Moseley, Hooper, Sr., F, 6-5
Bryce Stevens, Escambia Academy, Sr., C, 6-6
Brock Whitt, Edgewood, Jr., F, 6-4
HONORABLE MENTION
Abe Crosswhite, Wilcox Academy, Sr., F, 6-4
Josh Gabel, Snook, Jr., G, 6-4
Clarence Moore, Springwood, Jr., G, 5—9
COACH OF THE YEAR
Jerome Webster, Escambia Academy
