It's hard to put into words what seniors Maddi Stewart and Alexis Leyva have meant to the girls basketball program at Lincoln Christian.

Back-to-back-state championships.

Countless number of wins.

Both headed to represent the school at the Division 1 level.

And now, the final accolade - Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State.

Both star players were named to the OCA Large East team recently, cementing their legacy as all-time greats at the school.

The combo, along with fellow senior Kayli Atkinson, who was named a Class 4A All-Star by the OCA, led Lincoln to the program's only two state titles, cutting down the nets in 2025 and 2026.

"It speaks to the level they played at night in and night out, but even more to the standard they set," said Lincoln head coach Melody Stewart. "Being named all-state isn't just about stats, it's about impact. Those two elevated everyone around them and helped define what winning basketball looks like in our program."

"Their legacy will be tied to excellence, consistency, and leadership for years to come."

Stewart, the all-time leading scorer at Lincoln, averaged a team-high 13.9 points and 6.7 rebounds as a senior.

She added 2.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game on 44% shooting. The senior also shot 35% from three and a clutch 83% from the foul line.

"It means the world to me to end my career with such an awesome exclamation point," said Stewart. "This season was so special to me not only because of the hardware we took home, but also because of the girls I got to do it with."

Stewart will undoubtedly go down as the all-time best in school history, as she finished as the all-time leader in points (1,749) and rebounds (928). She also finished with 377 career assists, 258 steals and 82 blocks.

"Lincoln basketball has meant everything to me," said the senior. "I have built lifelong friendships through this program and learned the epitome of what it means to be tough. I want to leave just that with the next generation of players that come through here."

"We work hard and often but at the end of the day love your teammates like family and show the love of Christ to others."

Stewart was also named to the Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association All-State team, as well as the Oklahoman Super 5 and the Tulsa World All-World team. She was also named the MVP of the Pinnacle Conference.

"I am forever grateful for the awards and accolades that I have received in my time here along with all of the records we've broken and history we've made," said Stewart. "he truth, however, is that I pray that everyone who came into contact with me doesn't think a thing about those when it comes to me. Only that I was a good friend and a follower of Christ."

Leyva capped off her career in the same way, as the senior was also named to the OGBCA All-State team and was a first-team selection by the Pinnacle Conference.

However being named to the OCA All-State team is special for Leyva, due to the fact that she is joined by Stewart and some other former teammates.

"It is such an honor to finish my senior year as an all-stater but it's means even more that I get to do it with some old teammates, Maddi Stewart, Claire Hooker (Locust Grove), Rowan Geer (Grove), and Kailee Seaba (Oolagah)," she said.

"They are such a big part of my basketball story so getting to play in the all-state game the day before I leave for Wichita State is such a full circle moment for me."

Leyva averaged 9.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and a team-high 4.9 assists in her senior season on 49% from the floor, 38% from three and 84% from the foul line.

She also averaged a team-high 3.1 steals and her 152 assists were tops in the state in all classes.

"This senior season was one I will always remember this is the most close knit team I have ever been apart of and they made ever practice, bad day, good day, game day, and average day better," she said. "Having so much talent on one team it is hard to find. We had so many girls willing to play for each other."

"And getting to end with a gold ball was just such a testament to reward that comes when you have a team playing for each other! I was just so glad I got to win one more gold ball for them and with them." 

The impact Lincoln basketball had on Leyva was similarly as special as Stewart described, as the accomplishments on the court mean a lot, sure, but it's the bigger picture that has lasting meaning.

"Lincoln basketball means more then words can describe to me and my life," Leyva said. "The program pushed me to be a better leader, find confidence in my game i had never had before, but also gave me a family I never knew I needed."

"I think I helped shape the culture of Lincoln basketball and I believe I showed my teammates what it means to sacrifice for the ones around you, the importance of making the unseen feel seen, and how crucial it is to love everyone unconditionally no matter the situation."

The head coach spoke about what made each of the two players special on the court and as leaders, which ultimately led to two gold balls and the flurry of awards and honors.

"They both brought different strengths, but they were equally committed to winning," said Melody Stewart. "Maddi is the type of player who can take over a game in every way — scoring, rebounding, doing whatever is needed. Alexis brought a tenacity and vocal presence that set the tone defensively and emotionally."

"Together, they created a balance that made us hard to beat. More than anything, they led by example and held everyone to a high standard."

Stewart, Leyva and Atkinson leave the program after 112 wins, easily the most in school history for a class.

The head coach has plenty of firepower left to make a run at a three-peat, but certainly will miss the leadership from the trio that took the program to completely new heights.

"I'm most proud of how they represented our program," said Stewart. "Their work ethic, their willingness to serve the team, and the way they handled success all stood out. They didn't just focus on individual recognition; they were about the team first, and that's why the success and the honors came."

"We'll miss their leadership and presence every day. Maddi's goofy, dry sense of humor.  Kayli's smile and happy-go-lucky personality. And Alexis' laughter that fills the room and hearts. They also brought experience, confidence, and a competitive edge that you can't replace overnight. But more than that, we'll miss the way they cared about the program, their teammates and the standard they upheld. That's what leaves the biggest gap."

Leyva will miss people the most, as her teammates and coaches held a special place in her heart, particularly her father, Rabu, who has been on the sideline for her entire life, including the last two seasons as Stewart's assistant, helping the Bulldogs capture the back-to-back titles.

"I know I keep talking about them but I'm going to miss my teammates," said Leyva. "They are such a big part of this year and I just can't not put in to words what they mean to me. I'm also going to miss the mentorship and friendship I found in Coach (Logan) Froese and Coach Stewart. They continued to poor into my life and push me to be better on the court and spiritually."

"Lastly I'm going to miss playing for my dad. He has been the biggest part of my life basketball and everything in between. I'm going to miss the early mornings, the post game car ride talks, films sessions, and every moment I got to share with my dad and biggest supporter."

The same goes for Stewart, as playing for her mom and their special relationship is well documented.

For the first time next season at Nebraska, she will play for someone else, which will certainly be a bittersweet moment.

"I will miss the many friends I get to see daily and all of the teachers who have poured into me." She said. "The thing I will miss most though is just playing the game I love underneath my mom's coaching. It will be the hardest transition of my life so far not being able to play for her just one more year."

It's hard to believe the legacy of these seniors will turn a page and Lincoln fans won't see No. 3, No. 20 and No. 23 on the court next winter.

But their impact will certainly still be felt every time Stewart's club steps onto the floor.

"They've left a lasting mark on this program," said Stewart. "What they've accomplished is special, but who they are as people is even more important. They've helped build something that will continue to impact future players, and that's what makes their legacy so meaningful."

"Every player in their exit interviews gave a nod to these seniors and their leadership and how they made everyone feel significant on this team and that's really cool."