HOUSTON, TX – Today is a celebration of basketball – the game, its players, and their journey to greatness – as McDonald's announces that local Houstonians are among the top basketball talent nominated for the 44th annual McDonald's All American Games teams.
The list of more than 700 top girls and boys high school seniors from across the country recognizes 23 players from Houston, Texas –18 girls players and 5 boys players.
The local players nominated for the 2021 McDonald's All American Games final roster are:
Joshua Fanuiel, Fort Bend Elkins High School, Missouri City
Jaden Jones, Dasche Spartans Homeschool, Cedar Hill
Noah Kon, Houston Christian High School, Houston
Edgar Romero, Strake Jesuit College Prep, Houston
Kaleb Stewart, Atascocita High School, Humble
Raven Adams, Ridge Point High School, Missouri City
Gia Adams, Jersey Village High School, Houston
Amani Bartlett, Houston Christian High School, Houston
Alexis Clayborne, Clear Falls High School, League City
Aleighyah Fontenot, Ridge Point High School, Missouri City
Trinity Garrett, Smithson Valley High School, Spring Branch
Tori Garza, New Caney High School, New Caney
Payton Gorgan, Westside High School, Houston
Rori Harmon, Cypress Creek High School, Houston
Kyndall Hunter, Cypress Creek High School, Houston
Jada Malone, The Village School, Houston
Adaora Nwokeji, Summer Creek High School, Houston
Briana Peguero, Jersey Village High School, Houston
Kaley Perkins, Langham Creek High School, Houston
Shanna Petty, Westside High School, Houston
Crystal Smith, OD Tompkins High School, Katy
Bre'yon White, Shadow Creek High School, Pearland
Kaiya Wynn, Foster High School, Richmond
In keeping with the storied tradition, the final team roster of 48 players will be named later this month. But, much like the senior year seasons of these athletes, commemorating these players will look different this year due to COVID-19. McDonald's made the difficult decision to forego in-person Games after consulting with health and safety experts and will honor the 2021 class through a virtual celebration. This decision was made in the interest of protecting the health and safety of student-athletes, their families, and event staff. However, being named a McDonald's All American is about so much more than the game; it is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement for high school seniors.
McDonald's is committed to giving the incredible student-athletes who are named to the final team the recognition they deserve for their accomplishments and dedication to the game of basketball. Despite the state of the 2021 Games, they are legends and will be All Americans for life. Details of the virtual celebration will be shared soon.
This year's talent is spread coast-to-coast, with nominees representing 44 states and the District of Columbia. High school players from Texas received the most nominations (87), followed by Florida (58) and California (57). Alumni of the nation's premier high school basketball showcase include Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Zion Williamson, Maya Moore, Candace Parker, A'ja Wilson, and many more.
A complete list of 2021 McDonald's All American Games Nominees is available at mcdaag.com.
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About Ronald McDonald House Charities®
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation that creates, finds, and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. Through its global network of over 275 Chapters in more than 65 countries and regions, and its three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House, the Ronald McDonald Family Room and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, RMHC helps families with ill or injured children stay together, and close to the medical care their child needs at leading hospitals worldwide. RMHC programs not only provide access to quality health care, they enable family-centered care ensuring families are fully supported and actively involved in their children's care. For more information, visit rmhc.org. Follow RMHC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.