LSU coach Kim Mulkey on Parkway’s Mikaylah Williams, who repeats as LSWA Miss Basketball
Parkway High School's Mikaylah Williams, already showered with accolades from numerous organizations, moved into more rarified air this week when she was named Miss Basketball by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association for a second time.
The 6-foot-1 LSU signee becomes just the fifth athlete as a two-time winner of the award in the 28 years of its existence. She joins Kisha James of Pineville (1997-98), Seimone Augustus of Capitol (2001-02), Kalani Brown of Salmen (2014-15) and Cara Ursin of Destrehan (2016-17).
“Mikaylah is an incredibly special student-athlete. Her immense talent, combined with her unmatched work ethic sets her apart – making her not only the top player in the state, but in the country,” LSU coach Kim Mulkey said via text with the Times. “Mikaylah brings a versatile skill set to Baton Rouge. She has a college ready frame with the ability to score the ball at all three levels that will have an instant impact on the court for us.”
Williams, the nation's No. 1 women’s basketball recruit in the Class of 2023 by several services, led Parkway (25-1) to the LHSAA Non-Select Division I state title, earning Player of the Game honors after pouring in 27 points in a dominating 80-57 victory over Ponchatoula.
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That should put a smile on the face of Mulkey, who recently coached her Tigers to their first NCAA championship. She believes the multi-talented Williams will fit in quite nicely with the talent she has returning in Baton Rouge.
“We are blessed Mikaylah chose to stay home and compete for championships as a Tiger,” Mulkey said. “It’s going to be a special treat for the entire state of Louisiana to watch this homegrown kid represent LSU throughout the remainder of her basketball career.”
Williams averaged 19 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.6 steals on a balanced team. The title game win was vindication for Williams and Parkway, which lost in double overtime to Ponchatoula in the 2022 final.
Normally understated even in big moments, Williams set the tone in the championship game by nailing a 3-pointer from about 30 feet as the first-half buzzer sounded. As the ball flushed the net, Williams uncharacteristically raced off the court, behind her bench, under the goal and to the locker room.
Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
LSWA Miss Basketball winners
1996: Judy Clark, Singer
1997: Kisha James, Pineville
1998: Kisha James, Pineville
1999: Ashley Antony, Anacoco
2000: Alana Beard, Southwood
2001: Seimone Augustus, Capitol
2002: Seimone Augustus, Capitol
2003: Katie Antony, Anacoco
2004: Quianna Chaney, Southern Lab
2005: Courtnee Hollins, Fairview
2006: Alexis Rack, Franklin
2007: Tarkeisha Wysinger, Many
2008: Deana Allen, Ellender
2009: Kylie Leonards, Fairview
2010: Theresa Plaisance, Vandebilt Catholic
2011: Tina Roy, Kaplan
2012: Lulu Perry, Benton
2013: La’Dencia Johnson, Rayville
2014: Kalani Brown, Salmen
2015: Kalani Brown, Salmen
2016: Cara Ursin, Destrehan
2017: Cara Ursin, Destrehan
2018: Kourtney Weber, Ursuline
2019: Tiara Young, Walker
2020: JeKaila Jordan, John Curtis
2021: Jeriah Warren, LaGrange
2022: Mikaylah Williams, Parkway
2023: Mikaylah Williams, Parkway
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Parkway’s Mikaylah Williams named LSWA Miss Basketball a second time
