MIAMI, Fla. - Mark Leiberman calls it the crown jewel in his coaching career.
"I'm like a kid in a candy store," he said.
By season, Leiberman is the boys basketball coach at Miami Monsignor Pace, but during these special five days he was selected to help lead 12 of country's finest players in the 32nd annual McDonald's All-American Game at BankUnited Center on the campus of the University of Miami in Coral Gables.
The showcase kicked off Monday with Jam Fest, a combination slam dunk, 3-point shooting and skills competition between the nation's 48 elite - 12 each from the East and West in both genders. The future NBA and WNBA stars and starlets will practice one more time today before culminating with Wednesday's nationally televised games.
ESPN broadcasted Monday's festivities that included winners, Findlay Prep (Nev.) guard Avery Bradley (slam dunk), Washington (Ind.) guard Skylar Diggins (girls 3-point), Ravenscroft (N.C.) forward Ryan Kelly (boys 3-point), Manhattan Center (N.Y.) guard China Crosby (skills) and National Christian Academy (N.Y) forward Dante Taylor (skills).
According to Leiberman, the biggest winner may just be South Florida.
“Having the McDonald’s All American Game down here is great for the city,” he said. “Miami has been the top spot for tourists and professional sporting events in the past, but to have the most recognizable high school All-Star game played here speaks volumes about the city and its growth.”
Leiberman, along with Dillard head coach Darryl Burrows and South Broward head coach Abby Ward, American Heritage standout Kenny Boynton Jr. and Parkway Academy star Erica Wheeler are the only participants in the games who are south Florida residents.
Coach Lieberman, a two-time Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year, is one of the state’s most accomplished coaches. In 12 seasons, he has led the Spartans to four state and 10 consecutive district championships.
“For me personally, it’s a real crown and jewel to be coaching the best high school basketball players from around the country,” Lieberman said. “I’m extremely passionate about this sport, and to see 48 players from around the country who have just as much passion, if not more, is phenomenal to me. These kids have worked hard their whole lives and lived up to whatever expectations they had and can now enjoy the fruits of their labor.”
Coach Burrows, last year’s Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year, is also one of the state's most recognized and respected coaches. In 15 seasons, he's guided the Panthers to eight sectional, eight regional and nine district titles. Dillard is one of five team to have won five or more state titles.
Between the two, Lieberman and Burrows will share their championship experiences and winning philosophies with the East boys team, while Ward guides the East girls squad.
American Heritage senior Kenny Boynton wants to make this one special.
File photo by Jim Redman
“I’m like a kid in a candy store,” Liberman said. "These kids will remember this experience for the rest of their lives and to be apart of that is an honor. It is also an honor to work with Coach Burrows. He’s done an amazing job at Dillard and I’m excited to learn some things from him and his coaching style.”
Wheeler and Boynton, two of the most talked about players in south Florida, are excited too.
Boynton, a Naismith Award finalist and University of Florida commit, is one of the state’s best and is excited about finishing his high school basketball career in front of friends and family.
“All I can do is thank God man,” said Boynton. “To be chosen as an All American and then to play the All-Star game in Miami is definitely a blessing. I have to represent from the home team. For me and Erica, we’ll have a chance to show the entire country that south Florida doesn’t only have good football players, but it also has good basketball players.”
The state could not have a better representative than Boynton. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 34.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists this season for the Patriots. Boynton has led the state in scoring the past two seasons and is Florida's No. 3 career scorer (3,367 points).
Wheeler, a Rutgers commit, averaged 21.5 points, 6.0 steals and 5.0 assists per game this season helping Parkway to a state championship. She garnered several Player of the Year awards throughout her career and in college plans to study business management.
She also wants to end her prep career on a high night Wednesday.
“When I found out I was selected to the team I screamed,” said Wheeler. “Being picked was the best thing, but the fact that the game is being played in my city makes it so much more special. My family watched me begin my high school career and can now watch me finish before I got to college, that’s what makes it special for me.”
Wheeler will be coached by acclaimed South Broward girls head Coach Abby Ward. In 18 seasons, she has led the Bulldogs to five state, 10 regional, 10 district and three BCAA titles.
Because of her hard work and dedication, Ward was inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.
“The best thing about these kids is that they want to learn,” Lieberman said. “All the hoopla and recognition has not gone to there heads and that’s an amazing thing. They are aware that this is a stepping stone in there careers and are willing to do what it takes to continue their success. This is why I love coaching.”
Look for more stories on location by James Oyola, including in inside look at Boynton. Oyola and senior writer Mitch Stephens bring you complete coverate of the 2009 McDonald's All-American game.
