Every year, the prestigious Guy V. Lewis Award is presented to the best boys’ basketball player in the Houston area, honoring the legacy of legendary University of Houston coach Guy V. Lewis.
Lewis, who led the Cougars from 1956 to 1986, was instrumental in popularizing college basketball, coaching some of the game’s greatest players and bringing national attention to Houston basketball.
The award’s previous winners include NBA stars and collegiate standouts like Justise Winslow, De’Aaron Fox, Quentin Grimes, and Tramon Mark. In 2024, Booker T. Washington’s Chris McDermott took home the honor before heading to Texas A&M University. McDermott put together an outstanding senior campaign, averaging 20.3 points, 18.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while leading Washington to the regional finals for the third consecutive year.
For the 2025 season, 25 players have been nominated for the Guy V. Lewis Award. Defender High School Sports has followed five of these notable contenders.
Jordan Buckner – senior point guard at South Houston
A dynamic 6-foot-0 point guard, Jordan Buckner has etched his name in South Houston High School’s history books. Committed to Lee College, Buckner has become the all-time leader in assists, 3-pointers and total points for the program. This season, he has been an offensive force, averaging 21.9 points and 5.6 assists per game.
“It’s a blessing to accomplish what I’ve accomplished at South Houston High School. Not many people think of legends when they think of our school, but my name will now be forever stamped in school history,” Buckner said. “It feels special knowing not every hooper gets nominated for the Guy V. Lewis Award. I would love to thank everybody who voted for me and made me feel special in the basketball community.”
Michael Collins – senior point guard at Shadow Creek High School
A 6-foot-2 point guard, Michael Collins has drawn attention from major programs, receiving offers from Penn State, Arizona State, George Mason and Massachusetts. His playmaking ability has been crucial for Shadow Creek, where he was named MVP of 6A Region III District 22 during his junior season.
“It’s an honor to represent Houston, and I’m so blessed to be amongst the best,” said Collins, reflecting on his journey.
Bryce Jackson – senior guard at Shadow Creek High School
Standing at 6-foot-5, Bryce Jackson has rebounded from an injury-plagued junior season to reestablish himself as one of Texas’ top talents.
247Sports Ranked Jackson No. 27 overall in the state. He has committed to the University of Houston. This season, he has been a dominant presence, averaging 17.2 points and 8 rebounds per game.
Shelton Henderson – senior forward at Bellaire High School
At 6-foot-6, forward Shelton Henderson has solidified his reputation as one of the top high school players in the nation. Committed to Duke University, he is ranked as the No. 1 player in Texas and No. 15 nationally by 247Sports. Henderson’s stellar performance this season includes averages of 18.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Samuel Johnson – senior forward at Washington
A versatile 6-foot-7 forward, Samuel Johnson has received interest from Centenary College, Paul Quinn College, Xavier University, and Mississippi College. His senior season has been impressive, with Johnson averaging 14.7 points per game on an efficient 62% shooting, along with 9.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.
“Being nominated means a lot. I’ve been working hard constantly for the past couple of years, and I appreciate being noticed for my hard work. I wouldn’t be here without God, my parents, coaches, and teammates,” said Johnson.
As the 2025 season unfolds, these standout athletes will continue making their case for the prestigious honor. The Guy V. Lewis Award not only recognizes individual excellence but also serves as a testament to Houston’s rich basketball tradition, celebrating the next generation of talent poised to make an impact at the collegiate and professional levels.
The 25 candidates for the 2025 Guy V Lewis Award:
- Dyllan Baker– Friendswood Senior
- Elijah Black– Katy Jordan Senior
- Jordan Buckner– South Houston Senior
- David Chong– Dickinson Senior
- Evan Cochran– The Village Senior
- Michael Collins– Shadow Creek Senior
- Jaylen Fenner– Atascocita Senior
- Dorian Haynes– Ridge Point Senior
- Shelton Henderson– Bellaire Senior
- Lucas Hobin– Strake Jesuit Senior
- Skyler Holt– Stafford Senior
- Ian Inman– College Park Senior
- Bryce Jackson– Shadow Creek Senior
- Samuel Johnson– Washington Senior
- Howie Keene– The Woodlands Christian Senior
- Ke’Bari Lewis– Cy Creek Senior
- Trae Lewis– Grand Oaks Senior
- Kameron Newsome– Travis Senior
- Kevin Sargeant– Marshall Senior
- Jason Scott– Legacy SSS Senior
- Elijah Sherwood– Hitchcock Senior
- Christian Thomas– C.E. King Senior
- Nigel Walls– St. Francis Episcopal Senior
- Montana Wheeler– Xavier Academy Senior
- Sebastian Williams– Adams St. John’s Senior
