Williams is three time All-Conference selection, two others join him

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, April 10, 2024

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Washington High School junior Javon Williams is a member of the Eastern Plains All-Conference boys basketball team for the third time in as many seasons after a vote from the league’s coaches. Senior Gary Payne and sophomore Chaise Smith join him on the first team.

Williams, a 6-3 wing player, averaged 11.6 points a game and finished second in the EPC with 4.5 assists a game, was the fourth-leading rebounder at 7.5 per game and was fourth with 2.1 steals per contest.
“He was exceptional on both ends of the floor and always drew the toughest defensive assignment,” coach David Allewalt said. “He and Chaise were also named All-District and Javon has worked hard to earn that recognition. He should have a huge senior year for us next year.”

Smith, a 6’2 point guard, who is getting strong looks from many Division I programs, led the conference in scoring at 19.5 points a game, assists with 6.4 and steals with 3.2.
“He matured in so many ways as the season progressed,” Allewalt said. “He’s set himself up as a finalist for conference player of the year after raising his game during the season. He controlled the pace much better this year and learned to use the clock when we were ahead. He has more room to improve and should have another great year next year.”

The 6’5 Payne is a first-time selection after leading the conference with 10.3 rebounds and finishing 10th with 12.8 points per contest.

“Averaging a double-double is a great way to end your high school career,” Allewalt said. “He was a tremendous person to have in our program and set a great example for our younger guys. I know he will continue to do great things on the football field for Elizabeth City State this fall.”

The three All-Conference players led the Pack to a second place finish in the EPC behind East champion Farmville Central, which accounted for three of their losses in a 20-9 season. They lost in the second round of the 2A state tournament to East runner-up Goldsboro.