Newton High's Jamon Hawkins was selected to the 2007-2008 Class AAAAA Boys Basketball All-State Team (first team).

Hawkins, a junior shooting guard, averaged 15.0 points in 27 games this season. He helped the Rams to an overall 17-9 record.

"It's a really outstanding honor," said Newton coach Rick Rasmussen. "I'm really proud of his accomplishments, and it also says a lot about the type of season we had as a team."

Nicknamed "J-Hawk" for his ability to soar to the basket, Hawkins shot 41 percent from the field, including 40 percent from the 3-point line.

In addition, Hawkins, who was one of three Newton players to average double figures in scoring this year, averaged 4.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 3.5 steals per game.

"He played a very important role in our team's success this year," Rasmussen said. "He was one of our best players."

Hawkins was voted to the 2007-2008 All-Tournament Team at the Holiday Hoopfest at Cass High, and he has been selected to the All-County and All-Area Team for the past two years. He has been the recipient of the Newton Best Defense Award for the last two seasons.

"Well, we're happy that he has another year," Rasmussen admitted. "It's quite an accomplishment to be all-state as a junior, and we're very excited that he's got another year left. I'm sure that he'll have another great season."

Hawkins, who scored in double figures in 22 of 26 games this season, finished second in voting for the 2007-2008 All-County Player of the Year.

"He (makes) his whole team better and does whatever it takes to win, including hit game-winning shots," Rasmussen said.