Today is a celebration of basketball – the game, its players, and their journey to greatness – as McDonald’s announces that 6 local students from Arkansas and Oklahoma are among the top basketball talent nominated for the 44th annual McDonald’s All American Games teams. The local players nominated for the 2021 McDonald’s All American Games final roster are:
- Tracey Bershers, Fort Smith Northside High School Fort Smith, AR
- Jersey Wolfenbarger Fort Smith Northside High School Fort Smith, AR
- Maryam Dauda, Bentonville High School Bentonville , AR
- Anna McCredy Shiloh Christian School Springdale, AR
- Jade Upshaw, Kellyville Public Schools Kellyville, OK
- Jaydynn Walden Arkoma High School Arkoma, OK
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, the 2021 class of nominees has continued to make an impact both on and off the court, and we are thrilled to have them representing us as nominees for the 2021 McDonald’s All American Games final roster,” said Michael Hadley, local McDonald’s Owner/Operator
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.
