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Westlake Today
By the People, for the People
All-SWLA Big Schools Basketball Team Announced: Farmer and Harding Earn MVP Honors
Washington-Marion's Monte Farmer and LaGrange's Kayla Harding lead the All-Southwest Louisiana Big Schools teams, with Coaches of the Year Robert Palmer and Gloria Fontenot.
Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:35pm
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Washington-Marion's Monte Farmer and LaGrange's Kayla Harding have been named the American Press All-Southwest Louisiana Big Schools MVPs. Farmer, a 6-foot-8 senior, averaged a double-double for the second straight season, while sophomore Harding helped fuel LaGrange's return to the state tournament. The Coaches of the Year are W-M's Robert Palmer and Westlake's Gloria Fontenot.
Why it matters
The All-SWLA Big Schools basketball teams recognize the top high school players and coaches in the region, highlighting the talent and accomplishments of student-athletes who led their teams to successful seasons and deep playoff runs.
The details
Farmer, a three-time District 3-4A MVP, averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks, and 3 steals per game, recording a double-double in 20 of 27 games. Harding, a transfer from Hamilton Christian, averaged 13 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals per game, guiding LaGrange to a 29-5 record and the Non-select Division II state championship game. Palmer led Washington-Marion back to the state tournament for the first time since their 2017 Class 4A title, while Fontenot guided Westlake to its first state championship game appearance.
- Farmer scored over 1,000 career points and led W-M to three consecutive district championships.
- Harding has played in the state tournament three times over the last four seasons.
- Palmer won his 100th career game when W-M ended the regular season with a 71-29 win over East Iberville.
- Fontenot has led Westlake to the state tournament for a third consecutive year.
The players
Monte Farmer
A 6-foot-8 senior forward for Washington-Marion, Farmer is a three-time District 3-4A MVP who averaged a double-double for the second straight season.
Kayla Harding
A sophomore point guard for LaGrange, Harding helped fuel the Gators' return to the state tournament for the first time since 2021, averaging 13 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals per game.
Robert Palmer
The head coach of the Washington-Marion boys basketball team, Palmer led the Charging Indians back to the state tournament for the first time since their 2017 Class 4A state championship.
Gloria Fontenot
The head coach of the Westlake girls basketball team, Fontenot guided the Rams to their first appearance in a state championship game this season.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
The takeaway
The All-SWLA Big Schools basketball teams showcase the exceptional talent and coaching in the region, with players like Farmer and Harding leading their teams to historic seasons and deep playoff runs. The recognition of these standout individuals and programs underscores the continued growth and competitiveness of high school basketball in Southwest Louisiana.
