RUSTON, La. -- After leading Louisiana Tech all season long, junior forward Ayana Walker was rewarded by the national media Tuesday by being named to the Associated Press All-America honorable mention team.

The 6-foot-2-inch Walker averaged 16.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks while leading the Lady Techsters to a 28-4 record and its ninth straight Sun Belt Conference title. Walker had already earned unanimous all-conference honors, the SBC Defensive Player of the Year award and the SBC Tournament Most Outstanding Player award.

"Ayana has played on both sides of the court for us," said Tech Head Coach Leon Barmore. "I have asked her to do more than any other player I have ever had. "

After being a role player her first two seasons, Walker carried the Lady Techsters early this year, earning most valuable player honors while helping Tech capture the Preseason Women's National Invitation Tournament title in November.

Offensively, the Houston, Texas, native has recorded 12 double-doubles and 11 20-plus point games while leading the Lady Techsters in scoring 18 times and rebounding 14 occasions. However, it's on the defensive end of the court where Barmore feels Walker might have done her best work.

"She has been our best defensive player, maybe the best in the country, and our go-to player on offense," Barmore said. "She has single-handedly kept Louisiana Tech in the top 10 in the country this year."

With 82 blocked shots on the season, Walker moved into fourth place on the Tech single season list while ranking seventh in the country in that category.

Walker will lead Tech into first round action of the NCAA Tournament Saturday against Georgia State at the Thomas Assembly Center.