Lincoln County’s Walker nets PARADE All-America honor

Lincoln County senior Dantley Walker knew some postseason honors would come his way after he set several boys basketball state records this year.

But the point guard never imagined the honor bestowed upon him Monday.

Walker, the leading prep scorer in Nevada history, was named to the PARADE Magazine All-America High School Boys Basketball First Team, the organization announced. The full list of honorees will be published in Sunday’s magazine.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet. It’s pretty amazing,” said Walker, who has committed to UNLV. “Just to be on it, that’s great.”

The PARADE teams include 40 seniors from 22 states. Past selections include NBA greats such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

Findlay Prep point guard Myck Kabongo, a Texas signee and McDonald’s All-American, was named to the fourth team.

Walker averaged 36.2 points and 10.3 assists to carry Lincoln County (24-7) to the Class 2A Southern League semifinals. The 5-foot-11-inch sharpshooter became the state’s all-time leader in points (3,304) and assists (887), and set a state record with 73 points in a game.

Walker said he plans to sign with UNLV during his official visit the weekend of April 15 before he embarks on a two-year Mormon mission in August.

Walker said he has emphasized weight training in recent weeks.

“I’ve been lifting like crazy, trying to get bigger and stronger,” he said.

Kabongo will lead Findlay Prep (28-3) against Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) Dwyer (31-2) in the quarterfinals of the National High School Invitational at 1 p.m. Thursday in Bethesda, Md. The game will be televised by ESPNU.