MIAMI, Fla. - The 32nd annual McDonald's All-American games are done but won't soon be forgotten around these parts.
For five days (March 28-April 1) the campus at the University of Miami played host to 48 of the country's top high school basketball players.
The future college, NBA and WNBA stars and starlets didn't disappoint.
File photo by Henny Ray Abrams/McDonalds.
The future of Boynton Jr. is high and mighty.
On Wednesday, before a national television audience, both games came down to thrilling finishes that were decided in the game's final seconds.
The opener was won 69-68 by the West girls, which got 10 points and 10 rebounds from co-MVP Tierra Ruffin-Pratt (Williams HS, Alexandria, Va).
Following the girls game, the boys contest - showcasing future NBA lottery picks and collegiate superstars - was won by the East 113-110 as MVP Derrick Favors (South Atlanta HS, Ga.) had 19 points and eight rebounds in 18 minutes.
Despite catching a glimpse of the nation's top prep talent, local fans had the luxury of cheering for some of their own hometown heroes.
American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.) guard Kenny Boynton Jr. and Parkway Academy (Miramar, Fla.) guard Erica Wheeler were among those standouts representing the East.
Both players have faced numerous challenge, on and off the court, throughout their high school careers, making it easy to root for both.
Many locals were also cheering on the East coaching staffs which featured some of south Florida's most accomplished: Abby Ward from South Broward (Hollywood, Fla.), Mark Leiberman from Monsignor Pace (Miami, Fla.) and Darryl Burrows from Dillard (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.).
The three have combined for 14 state and 29 district championships.
Considering how academically focused these players and coaches are, we decided to grade their performances.
Wheeler: C+
Wheeler, the 2009 Florida Dairy Farmer's Girls Class 3A Player of the Year and Rutgers commit, didn't have her usual dominant performance but did hit a clutch 3-pointer that helped her team rally from a nine-point deficit to pull to within four (27-23) with 5:13 left in the first half.
Wheeler finished with three points, one assists and one rebound in 15 minutes.
When asked about her performance, Wheeler said, "I'm just happy to be here. I wanted to help my team win but just to be a part of this game was enough for me."
Boynton Jr.: B
Boynton, who averaged 31.7 points per game this season for the Patriots, had an uncommon offensive performance but played exceptionally well on defense.
The standout guard helped disrupt the opposition's offensive strategies, while his team made a late run to secure the victory. The future Florida Gator finished with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes.
"I though I had a good defensive effort. It wasn't my best offensive night, but my team came out with the win. I think I had an all-around good game," Boynton said.
Teaching one high-profiled athlete the importance of teamwork can be a daunting task for some coaches. However, for south Florida's "Big 3" teaching 48 of the nation's best high school basketball players to play as a unit was rather simple.
"The ultimate goal is to win,” Burrows said. “Even in an all-star game of this caliber they wanted to win. They are extremely competitive, but more importantly, they were very receptive to what myself and coach Leiberman were trying to do.”
Coaches Burrows and Leiberman: A
Burrows, along with Leiberman, helped the East take control of the contest after numerous lead changes to seal the win. Lance Stephenson (Lincoln HS, Brooklyn, N.Y.) threw two ally-oop passes to Derrick Favors in the games final 43 seconds that solidified the victory.
The coaches also did an excellent job with the lineup rotation as their bench outscored the West 69-50, while turning the ball over only 13 times compared to the West’s 23.
Coach Ward: B+
Despite trailing by as many as nine points, Ward helped the East team climb back into the game, but couldn't pull off the victory.
Kelly Faris (Heritage Christian, Plainfield, Ind.) made two free throws but missed a third that could have tied the game for the East with 1.0 seconds remaining in regulation.
Aside from their grades, MaxPreps decided to hand out some superlatives as well.
Most likely to succeed at the next level: Boynton Jr.
Florida's No. 3 career scorer (3,367 points), has been amongst the country's top offensive players since his sophomore year when he led Blanche Ely to the Class 6A title. That year the standout guard averaged 29.1 points per game. In his junior year, Boynton scored a career-high and tournament record 61 points at the City of Palms Classic, while leading American Heritage to an 88-71 win over Dunbar.
The sensational shooting guard should provide instant offense when he suits up for coach Billy Donovan and the University of Florida next season.
Most likely to change the world: Wheeler
Wheeler has garnered numerous individual achievements throughout her high school career. While many high-profile athletes could lose perspective, Wheeler understands that her accomplishments come with a sense of responsibility and wants to be a role model in her community.
"This is what I want to do when I'm done with basketball," Wheeler said. "I want to have a business that is about giving back and will help kids that are less fortunate. I was once in need too and I want to give back. Visiting those kids at the hospital really made me think about life outside of basketball."
Most McDonald's All-America team spirit- Wheeler
Wheeler was frequently seen roaming around the gym doing interviews, talking with players, fans, cracking jokes and having fun. While the pressures of playing in high school basketball's biggest all-star game, let alone in your hometown, could take a toll on someone, Wheeler handled it well.
"I love this," said Wheeler. "They let us be free on the court. I've shaken some million-dollar hands. I've never experienced anything as fun as this. I wouldn’t’ want it any other way."