After back-to-back state titles, a wave of awards came flooding into the Lincoln Christian girls basketball program recently for another historic season.

Lincoln finished the year 29-2 and won its second straight Class 4A state championship, as the Bulldogs continue to elevate themselves into one of the top programs in Oklahoma — regardless of class.

Lincoln's three seniors — Maddi Stewart, Alexis Leyva and Kayli Atkinson — all garnered numerous awards after finishing their careers with 112 wins, four state title game appearances and two championships.

"I'm most proud of how they represented our program. 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," said head coach Melody Stewart.

Stewart, the all-time leading scorer at Lincoln, was honored in about every way a player can be after averaging a team-high 13.9 points and 6.7 rebounds as a senior.

She was named to the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State team, as well as the Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association All-State team.

Stewart was also an OCA All-Star in Class 4A and was named to the The Oklahoman's Super Five team, as well as the Tulsa World's All-World team.

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.

The MVP of the Pinnacle Conference in 2025-26 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.

Leyva was also named to the OCA All-State team and the OGBCA All-State taam.

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.

She was also an OCA All-Star in Class 4A and was a first-team selection by the Pinnacle Conference.

"They both brought different strengths, but they were equally committed to winning," said Stewart speaking about her daughter and Leyva. "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."

Atkinson was named an all-state alternate by both the OCA and OGBCA, and was an OCA All-Star in Class 4A after helping Lincoln to two straight state titles.

She was also an honorable mention selection by the Pinnacle Conference.

Atkinson averaged 6.6 points per game as a senior and made a team-high 45 threes.

She also averaged 2.2 steals and shot 85% from the free throw line.

"We'll miss their leadership and presence every day," said Stewart talking about her three seniors. "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."

The head coach spoke about how the impact of Stewart, Leyva and Atkinson will live on for years to come after not only what they accomplished in their four years, but the culture that they built.

"They've left a lasting mark on this program. 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," she said.

"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."

Sophomore guard Azariah Woodruff was also named to the Pinnacle Conference first-team after a breakout season.

Woodruff was huge during the state tournament run this March. She averaged 9.1 points per game on 50% from the floor and 33% from three.

She also chipped in 3.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.6 assists.

Junior forward Jayla Albert was also a first-team selection by the Pinnacle Conference after another solid season as a starter.

Albert averaged 8.1 points, four rebounds and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting a team high 55% from the field. Albert also shot 70% from the foul line and 46% from three.

Sophomore Niya Willoby rounded out the first-team selections for Lincoln within the Pinnacle Conference, as the forward had a big season for the Bulldogs.

Willoby averaged 7.2 points per game on 48% from the floor and 83% from the free throw line, while also averaging 2.9 rebounds per contest in 15 minutes per game.

Junior guard Ivey Wheeler and freshman guard Laine Dooley joined Atkinson as honorable mention selections from the conference.

Wheeler averaged 4.1 points per game in her role of the bench, shooting 30% from three and 83% from the foul line.

She averaged two rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.6 steals in 16 minutes per contest.

Dooley burst onto the scene as a freshman, averaging 5.3 points, 1.4 assists and 1.9 steals per game in just 12 minutes per night.

She shot 49% from the floor and 34% from three in her inaugural varsity season.

Stewart commented on the recognition garnered from her team's success and what it says about her players as individuals.

"It's something I don't take lightly," she said. "It speaks to the consistency of our players, our staff, and the culture we've built. Being considered one of the top programs means we've created a standard that people recognize, but it also means there's a responsibility to keep pushing and not settling."

"I have often said to our kids this team will never serve the individual, it will also serve the team; but if you will show up and serve this team in the end you, as an individual, will feel well-served. This just identifies that sentiment holds true."

Ultimately, Lincoln going back-to-back in Class 4A and her team raking in the awards are things that are reaped from the hard work and dedication of the players. 

"It means everything because it reflects both team success and individual excellence," she said. "When you win at a high level and still have players recognized like that, it shows they didn't just contribute; they helped drive it. Those honors are a byproduct of sacrifice, consistency, and buying into something bigger than themselves."

Photos by Lee Talley