Jonesboro’s Walker, Munford named Region 4-AAAAAA Players of the Year; Lovejoy’s King, Forest Park’s Jones earn coaching honors By Luke Strickland

JONESBORO — The All-Region 4-AAAAAA basketball team was announced Wednesday. The team was selected by the coaches of the teams in the region.

Girls

Jonesboro High’s Saadia Munford was named Region Player of the Year. Munford averaged 18 points per game for the Lady Cardinals this season.

Lovejoy head coach Cedric King was named Region Coach of the Year. King led the Lady Wildcats to a 21-3 regular season record and the No. 1 seed in the region tournament.

King’s freshman point guard, Genesis Bryant, was named to the First Team. Bryant was the catalyst for the Lovejoy offense this season. Forest Park’s Alana Denson (10 PPG) and Mundy’s Mill’s Alexus Celestin (9.0 PPG) and Raiana Johnson (12.2 PPG, 12.9 RPG) were Second Team selections.

Honorable Mentions included Forest Park’s Sarah Matthews and Jasmine Jacobs, Jonesboro’s Maiya Frazier, Lovejoy’s Amber Thornton and Symone Williams, Mundy’s Mill’s Avanna Preston and Mount Zion’s Tamera Tilley, Khalea Hayes and Raven Mitchell.

Boys

Jonesboro senior M.J. Walker was named Region Player of the Year after another outstanding season. Walker averaged 28 points, seven rebounds and three assists per game.

Forest Park head coach Jay Jones was chosen as Region Coach of the Year. The Panthers qualified for the state playoffs for the first time in five seasons once Jones took over early in the season as head coach.

Jones’ senior guard Avery Wilson was named to the First Team, as was Drew junior William Black. Wilson and Black both led their respective teams in scoring. Jonesboro’s Jamari Smith, Mount Zion’s TreJohn Taylor and Mundy’s Mill’s Tyree Keith were Second Team selections.

Honorable Mentions included Forest Park’s Jahseel Herbert, Jonesboro’s Jamari Mosely and Jaylon Terrell, Lovejoy’s Treyvon Butler and Mundy’s Mill’s Mike Malolo.