posted April 1st, 2010 by All American Game Staff
Advisory Council Panel
Alonzo Mourning, Jay Williams and Jessica Davenport joined ESPN college sports analyst, Quint Kessenich, in the first-ever McDonald’s All American Advisory Council Panel. Quint served as the Panel’s moderator as Zo, Williams and Davenport dropped some knowledge on the players. The panelists and players took part in an interactive session touching on the Advisory Council’s three point mission of Charity, Legacy and Trust. The former McDonald’s All Americans shared with current players their experience during the Games and what they can expect to face at the next level and what waits for them in life after basketball.
33 and Counting….
Everything that has a beginning has an end, and tonight, the 2010 McDonald’s All American Games concluded with a pair of East vs. West match-ups featuring the top male and female high school basketball stars to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. The McDonald’s All American Games are recognized as the premier showcase in all of prep basketball and this year’s crop of players did not disappoint.
Let’s Hear It For The Girls
The Girls Game, which featured some of the most athletic and talented players in recent history, kicked-off the night’s action. The West team edged out the East squad in a hard-fought 84-75 victory at the Value City Arena. Meighan Simmons and Natasha Howard rose above the rest, with 21 and 20 points respectively, earning them Co-MVP honors.
Boys Will Be Boys
The Boys game was a classic battle, and although hometown favorite and Co-MVP, Jared Sullinger, dropped a game high 24 points, it was not enough to propel the East squad past the West in a 107-104 nail-biter. Harrison Barnes lifted the West with a team-high 20 points, earning him Co-MVP honors, along with Sullinger, for the victorious West squad. Brandon Knight hit the game-winning shot with less than three seconds left.
For a complete recap of both Games, visit mcdonaldsallamerican.com.
Seeing Stars
In addition to Alonzo Mourning, captain of the McDonald’s All American Advisory Council, some high-profile professional and collegiate athletes made an appearance at this year’s Games including: Eddie George, Ohio State University guard, Evan Turner and Kentucky Wildcats John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins.
2011 McDonald’s All American Games
With less than a year until next year’s Games, it’s not too early to start talking about who will make the squad. As the online conversation heats up, be sure to check-in regularly at mcdonaldsallamerican.com or at Inside the Games for the latest official Games news.
Tags: 2010 Game, Advisory Council, Alonzo Mourning, Harrison Barnes, Jared Sullinger, McDonald's, McDonald's All American, McDonald's All American Games, Meighan Simmons, Natasha Howard
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posted March 31st, 2010 by All American Game Staff
Media Day
Reporters flocked to the Columbus Ronald McDonald House Tuesday to interview McDonald’s All American players about their experiences on and off the court during Game week. National and local media outlets including ESPN, Sports Illustrated, USA Today and the Columbus Dispatch highlighted the players’ visit to the Columbus Ronald McDonald House and first scrimmage.
Warming Up Before The Big Dance….
Getting Dressed in Their Sunday Best.…
CBS college basketball analyst, Clark Kellogg, wrapped up the day of activities as the featured speaker at the Player Awards Banquet at Columbus Convention Center to recognize the players’ achievements. Eddie George served as the night’s Master of Ceremonies and the players heard powerful words from both Kellogg and George, two of Ohio’s most highly decorated sports icons, about the importance of using their talent and ability to give back to others less fortunate than themselves. Harrison Barnes and Chiney Ogwumike were also recognized for the prestigious Morgan Wootten Player of the Year award, honoring the best players/athletes in the country.
And Here We Go….
Game day is at hand, folks, and if you’re as excited as we are … then you’re pretty excited to see the best high school basketball players compete on a national stage. Plop down in front of the tube tonight and tune-in to ESPNU to watch the girls game live at 5:30 p.m. ET and ESPN to watch the boys game live at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Come on back tomorrow for Game results and details on the first-ever McDonald’s All American Advisory Council Panel, led by Alonzo Mourning. In the meantime, check out mcdonaldsallamerican.com for more Game information.
Tags: 2010 Game week, Boys game, ESPN, girls game, McDonald's, McDonald's All American, McDonald's All American Games, Morgan Wootten
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posted March 30th, 2010 by All American Game Staff
Welcome to McDonald’s. Would You Like Fries With That Shake?
2010 McDonald's All American, Tiffany Moore, gets a quick lesson on register at a local Columbus McDonald’s on Monday, March 29 as part of Game week
On Monday, the McDonald’s All American players jumped on the party bus and headed to a McDonald’s restaurant in Columbus for some lunch and even a little customer service. The players worked behind the counter and the drive thru to serve-up their favorite McDonald’s menu items. And, Kendall Marshall may have created the next great McDonald’s sandwich … the Big Mac Filet. However, the jury is still out on that one.
Lions and Tiger and Bears, Oh My!
Maggie Lucas and Ronika Ransford muster up the courage to hold a slithery resident of the Columbus Zoo
Following the McDonald’s restaurant visit, players paid a visit to a popular attraction in the Ohio State capital - the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The players braved not only the cold temperatures, but overcame a few fears when they held a very, very large snake. The Players were even able to feed and hold some of the zoo residents … they were encouraged to hold the starfishes instead of the elephants, although most of the boys thought they could pick the elephant up.
POWERADE Jam Fest … Enough Said
2010 McDonald's All American Josh Selby soars through the air during his winning dunk at POWERADE Jam Fest. Selby was the 2010 Jam Fest slam dunk winner
The energy was frenetic in Value City Arena on Monday night for the POWERADE Jam Fest. Special Ronald McDonald House guest, Dany Ollom, helped judge the slam dunk contest alongside a host of stars, including former NFL and Ohio State University Running Back Eddie George and ESPN college football analyst, Kirk Herbstreit.
Jam Fest, which was broadcast live on ESPN2, brought the thousands of fans in attendance to their feet as the best high school players put on a ridiculous display of athleticism in the second annual skills challenge, the three-point competition and the highlight of the event, the slam-dunk contest. Josh Selby took home the title of the night’s most prolific dunker. Other winners, included:
• Keith Appling – Boys Skills Competition
• Chelsea Gray – Girls Skills Competition
• Cory Joseph – Three-Point Competition
• Maggie Lucas – Three-Point Competition
Here’s what’s on tap for today:
• Media Day
• Team Scrimmage
• Awards Banquet
Check back on Wednesday for the next round of updates on the 2010 McDonald’s All American Teams. But you if you just can’t wait until tomorrow, visit mcdonaldsallamerican.com for more information.
Tags: Columbus Zoo, McDonald's, McDonald's All American Games, POWERade Jam Fest, slam dunk contest
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posted March 29th, 2010 by All American Game Staff
Hello Columbus!
We’ve been waiting, you’ve been waiting and now that wait is over … it’s Game week, baby!
Forty-eight of the nation’s best high school basketball players are in the Buckeye State capital of Columbus for the 2010 McDonald’s All American Games – the 33rd Boys game and the ninth annual Girls game. The high school superstars started filing in Saturday to take part in a week chalked full of activities surrounding the Games.
All Americans in the House….
Yesterday the players kicked off Game week by experiencing first hand the true meaning of the Games when they visited the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio to spend time with children who are receiving critical treatment at a local hospital.
After touring the House, baking chocolate chip cookies and participating in a little story time, the players visited Nationwide Children’s Hospital to lift the spirits of some very appreciative kids. The players split up into two groups – one half toured the hospital and passed out gifts, while the other half visited the Rehab Unit gym and played a few games with the children.
Harrison Barnes and Ronald McDonald read to a very interested young man.
For many of the players, the House and hospital visit changed the way they think about helping others and commented how moved they were by their experience of giving back to the families. The visit helped the players realize that Game week is about more than just a game.
Net proceeds from the 2010 Games go directly to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. Since 1978 millions of dollars raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities across the country.
It’s in the Game!
Even after a long day, these players were still competing … albeit virtually. On Sunday night, the players took to the virtual court to play NCAA ’10 in the third annual EA Sports video game tournament. Players mixed in a little friendly competition, while listening to their very own Game week DJ and sitting down with the first wave of arriving media for interviews.
Chelsea Gray and Cory Joseph go one-on-one in the EA Sports video game tournament.
Just Another Manic Monday….
Today is another ‘jam’-packed day, which includes:
• McDonald’s Lunch
• Columbus Zoo Visit
• POWERADE Jam Fest
Check back tomorrow for the latest updates on the 2010 McDonald’s All American Teams and be sure to visit mcdonaldsallamerican.com for more information.
Tags: 2010 Game week, All American Games, basketball, high school, McDonald's, Ronald McDonald House
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posted April 22nd, 2009 by All American Game Staff
Game fans,
We wanted to thank you for supporting the 2009 McDonald’s All American Games and following us on Inside The Games. From the players’ visit at the Ronald McDonald House in Miami to the high-energy POWERADE Jam Fest and McDonald’s All American Games, it was another memorable year. Proceeds from the 2009 Games will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida.
Stay tuned this fall for updates surrounding next year’s McDonald’s All American Games in Columbus, Ohio. We hope to see you at the Games in 2010!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Emily Fullmer at efullmer@golinharris.com or (312) 729-4235.
We hope you have a great summer.
-The McDonald’s All American Games team
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posted April 2nd, 2009 by All American Game Staff
2009 McDonald's All American Boys Game MVP Derrick Favors Dunks
32nd Anniversary of Games is Golden
The McDonald’s All American Games—recognized as the premier showcase in all of prep basketball—came to a close tonight with a pair of East vs. West match-ups featuring the top male and female high school basketball stars to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida.
Games Highlights
The Girls Game, which featured some of the best players and stories in recent history, kicked-off the night’s action.
With a one-point victory - the closest game in the eight year history of the Girls Game - the West team edged past the East squad in a hard-fought 69-68 victory at the BankUnited Center in Miami. Tierra Ruffin-Pratt and Skylar Diggins stole the show with 10 and 18 points, respectively, earning co-MVP honors.
The Boys game was a classic battle, but Keith “Tiny” Gallon’s 20 points was not enough to propel the West squad past the East in a 113-110 thriller. Derrick Favors dominated the paint with a team-high 19 points and 8 boards, earning him MVP honors for the boys.
McDonald's All American Advisory Council Captain Alonzo Mourning is honored with the retirement of his jersey at the Boys Game
The Stars Were Out Tonight
In addition to Alonzo Mourning, captain of the McDonald’s All American Advisory Council, many high-profile celebrity/athletes made an appearance at this year’s Games including: NBA and WNBA greats Penny Hardaway, Kenny Anderson and Swinn Cash; Miami HEAT President Pat Riley; and ESPN personality Kenny Main.
2009 McDonald's All American Girls Game MVPs Tierra Ruffin-Pratt and Skylar Diggins receive awards following the Girls Game
2010 McDonald’s All American Games
With less than a year until next year’s Games in Columbus, Ohio at The Ohio State University, it’s not too late to start talking about who will make the squad. As the online chatter begins, be sure to check-in regularly at www.McDonaldsAllAmerican.com or at Inside the Games for the latest official Games news.
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posted April 1st, 2009 by All American Game Staff
Media Day
Dozens of reporters gathered at the BankUnited Center Tuesday to interview McDonald’s All American players about their experiences on and off the court during Game week. National and local media outlets including ESPN, Sports Illustrated, USA Today and the Miami Herald highlighted the players’ visit to the Miami Ronald McDonald House and first scrimmage.
McDonald's All American Lance Stephenson flies through the air at the boys scrimmage Tuesday
Scrimmage
After three days of intense practice, the first full-speed scrimmage tipped-off at the BankUnited Center following Media Day. The McDonald’s All American Games staff had a closed-door glimpse of the monster dunks and impressive team play. Fans watching the Games on Wed. at 5:30 p.m. ET (Girls) and 8:00 p.m. ET (Boys) should expect fast play and tight defense among the nation’s best high school athletes.
Kelsey Bone receives the Morgan Wootten Player of the Year award for her talents on and off the court during the 2009 McDonald's All American Games
Pat Riley ended the day of activities by headlining the Player Awards Banquet at Miami’s Jungle Island to recognize the players’ achievements. Players heard from both Riley and Alonzo Mourning, two of Miami’s biggest sports icons, about the importance of using talent and ability to give back to others in need. Derrick Favors and Kelsey Bone were also recognized for the prestigious Morgan Wootten Player of the Year award, honoring the best players/athletes in the country.
Game Day
Game day is finally here and we hope you are as excited as we are to see the top prep basketball players compete on a national stage. Tune-in to ESPNU to watch the girls game live at 5:30 p.m. ET and ESPN to watch the boys game live at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Banquet
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posted March 31st, 2009 by All American Game Staff
Kicking off Day Two with an All American Meal at McDonald’s
2009 McDonald's All Americans serve customers at a local Miami drive thru on Tuesday, March 31 as part of Game week
2009 McDonald's All Americans play with the dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium on Tuesday, March 30
Making a Splash at the Seaquarium
Following the McDonald’s restaurant visit, players paid a special visit to a popular attraction in Miami - the Seaquarium. The players suited up to swim with the dolphins and meet the manatees - it was a fun site to see some of the nation’s tallest kids playing a little one on one with the dolphins.
2009 McDonald's All American Avery Bradley goes for this winning dunk at POWERADE Jam Fest. Bradley was the 2009 Jam Fest slam dunk winner.
POWERADE Jam Fest is a Slam Dunk
The BankUnited Center came alive with electric energy Monday night for the POWERADE Jam Fest. Special Ronald McDonald House guest Bladimir Gomez judged the slam dunk contest alongside many stars including McDonald’s All American Advisory Council member Dominique Wilkins and NFL pro Shawne Merriman.
ESPN2 aired the first-ever LIVE broadcast of the Jam Fest, with the best high school players putting on a dazzling display of athleticism in the first ever skills challenge. The three-point competition and the crowd-favorite slam-dunk contest brought “oohs” and “aahs” from the thousands of fans in attendance.
Turning to Tuesday…
Here’s what’s on tap for today:
- Media Day
- Team Scrimmage
- Player Awards Banquet
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posted March 30th, 2009 by All American Game Staff
McDonald's All American looks on as Cristal Ortiz paints a basketball at the Ronald McDonald House, Sunday, March 29, 2009 in Miami, Florida
Welcome to Miami…
Game week is finally here!
Forty-eight of the nation’s best high school basketball players are in sunny Miami for the 2009 McDonald’s All American Games - the 32nd Boys game and the eighth annual Girls game. The prep superstars arrived Saturday to participate in a week full of activities surrounding the Games.
House Party
Yesterday the players kicked off Game week by seeing firsthand the true meaning of the Games when they visited the Ronald McDonald House of South Florida to spend time with children who are receiving critical treatment at a nearby hospital.
Many players were touched by their experience of giving back to the families and said that the House visit changed the way they think about helping others. The visit truly helped the players realize that Game week is about more than just a game.
Each year, proceeds from the Games go directly to the local Ronald McDonald House, with millions of dollars raised since the Games began in 1978.
Game On!
Sunday night, the players battled in some friendly NCAA ‘09 competition to wind down from a busy day with the second annual EA Sports video game tournament. Players competed while listening to their very own Game week DJ and interviewing with the first wave of media that arrived in town.
Monday Monday…
Today is another ‘jam’-packed day, which includes the:
- Miami Seaquarium Visit
- POWERADE Jam Fest
Check-back tomorrow for the latest updates on the 2009 McDonald’s All American Teams and be sure to visit mcdonaldsallamerican.com for additional information.
Tags: ronald mcdonald house; mcdonald's all american game; 2009 Game week; jam fest; mcdonald's all american games
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posted March 25th, 2009 by All American Game Staff
Dwight Howard makes a big block during the 2004 McDonald's All American Boys Game
We’re just one week out from the McDonald’s All American Games in sunny Miami, Florida. If you haven’t yet purchased tickets for this exciting event, please visit Ticketmaster here or call 1-866-909-GAME.
Here is a look at what’s on deck for Game week:
- Sunday, March 29: Players visit the local Ronald McDonald House to learn the true meaning behind the Games — giving back.
- Monday, March 30: Players visit the Miami Seaquarium and compete in the POWERADE Jam Fest.
- Tuesday, March 31: Lance Stephenson Jr. announces his college decision at Media Day; Players are honored at an awards banquet.
- Wednesday, April 1: The big event — the McDonald’s All American Girls and Boys Games.
For more information, please visit www.mcdonaldsallamerican.com. We will update our blog (www.insidethegames.net) daily onsite at the Games with the latest information, so be sure to check it out!
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