This year’s McDonald’s All-American Games (MDAAG) had an extra layer of excitement as all eyes were on Bronny James and the top high school basketball players in the country as they battled it out at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
In the Girl’s MDAAG we saw Judea (Juju) Watkins lead the way for Team West with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals to help her team come out on top 110-102. She was announced as the co-MVP, along with Hannah Hidalgo, who’s stat-line read 26 points (a new scoring record for the game), 8 steals and 5 assists when the game had concluded. Hidalgo had a clutch three to end the 3rd quarter and gave the West momentum going into the 4th to win it all.
Legacy was the tagline many gave the Boy’s MDAAG as it featured sons and even grandsons of basketball greats and included an electric performance at halftime featuring Houston-native Don Toliver.
Reed Shepard, DJ Wagner, Andrej Stojakovic, Sean Stewart, and Bronny James were all featured in the game. Bronny, son of NBA great Lebron James who was court-side cheering his son on, delighting fans with his excellent shooting display.
DJ Wagner stole the show with 19 points, 3 assists and helped Team East win 109-106. With high caliber performances, Wagner and Isaiah Collier were announced as co-MVPs after the game.
Both of this year’s McDonald’s All-American Games did not disappoint basketball fans, showing that the next generation of hoopers are for real.
Contributor: Josh Bhagratie (@jshyb_)