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<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The nominations are in, and North Laurel\u2019s Reed Sheppard is one of of 700-plus Hoopers Named 2023 McDonald\u2019s All American Nominees as the McDonald’s All American Games heads to Houston in 2023. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sheppard, who has rallied more than 3,000 points in his career, is the lone boys\u2019 nominee from Kentucky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is another remarkable distinction for Reed,\u201d North Laurel coach Nate Valentine said. \u201cHe\u2019s played really well against the nation\u2019s best and proven himself every night. We are extremely excited for him to be honored as a finalist for the McDonald\u2019s All-American game.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, the journey to greatness begins for these 722 girls and boys basketball players who get to experience a new defining moment as they receive nominations for a chance to shine on one of high school basketball\u2019s biggest stages: the McDonald\u2019s All American Games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To rising basketball stars, a McDonald\u2019s All American Games nomination is the culmination of hard work and determination spanning many years of constant grind in the gym to become one of basketball\u2019s elite. This class of nominees will follow in the footsteps of all-time legends, like Shaquille O\u2019Neal, Candace Parker, Kobe Bryant, A\u2019ja Wilson, Trae Young, Breanna Stewart and so many more, when they face off at Toyota Center in Houston this March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cProviding a national platform to elevate and honor these players is what the McDonald\u2019s All American Games is all about,\u201d said Joe Wootten, McDonald\u2019s All American Games Selection Committee Chairman. \u201cWe\u2019ve been doing this for over four decades and have seen some truly amazing kids come through this iconic program. That\u2019s why this moment is so special…the history, prestige and all that comes with it. These players are joining a long list of icons to be named nominees to the Games and it\u2019s something that will never be taken away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year\u2019s nominees span far and wide with 44 states plus the District of Columbia represented among this decorated class. States like Texas led the group with 93 nominees, followed by California at 73 and Florida at 65. Players were nominated by a high school coach, athletic director, principal or member of the McDonald\u2019s All American Games Selection Committee based upon this criteria. A complete list of 2023 McDonald\u2019s All American Games Nominees is available at mcdaag.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The McDonald\u2019s All American Games Selection Committee \u2013 comprised of some of the nation\u2019s most knowledgeable high school analysts, prep scouts, media and basketball coaches \u2013 will soon narrow down the list of nominees to the final 48 players named to the Games\u2019 final rosters. The top 24 girls and 24 boys will be revealed Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023 on NBA Today between 3-4 p.m. ET on ESPN and announced across ESPN\u2019s various social and digital platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecoming a McDonald\u2019s All American Games nominee is bigger than one person \u2013 it\u2019s about representing your family, friends, school and community on the national stage and doing so with pride of what you earned and respect for those that have paved the way,\u201d said Vicki Chancellor, Atlanta-based McDonald\u2019s Owner\/Operator and Chair, McDonald\u2019s USA Franchisee Marketing Committee. \u201cOn behalf of McDonald\u2019s, we\u2019re so proud of every nominee and know how much hard work went into this achievement. It\u2019s important we take a moment to highlight the achievements of these athletes from across the country and celebrate their new status as a McDonald\u2019s All American Games nominee.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tickets to the 2023 McDonald\u2019s All American Games and POWERADE\u00ae Jam Fest will be available beginning Tuesday, January 24 at mcdaag.com. For those who can\u2019t make it out, tune in to the POWERADE Jam Fest on Monday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The 2023 McDonald\u2019s All American Girls Game will air on Tuesday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and the Boys Game will immediately follow on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The McDonald\u2019s All American Games have benefitted Ronald McDonald House Charities\u00ae (RMHC\u00ae) and its network of local Chapters since their inception. RMHC helps bring<\/p>\n\n\n\n
communities together to support children and families throughout their healthcare journey by providing comfort, care and vital resources, when it\u2019s needed most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Follow @McDAAG on Instagram and TikTok for the latest news and announcements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About McDonald\u2019s USA<\/p>\n\n\n\n