IRVINE, Calif.— If the end of the post season awards and all-star games is a “wrap” on the senior class then it’s only appropriate that the curtain comes down scholastically on the 2014 grads just down the road from Hollywood in Southern California.
With McDonald’s having a stranglehold on the top rung of the All-American ladder and the WBCA taking a step back from game operator status and joining the endless list of those just “naming” post season squads, the opportunity existed for the creation of another game for the top tier of the senior class to compete in. SchollyMe stepped into the breach and provided the first annual All-World game this past weekend in sunny southern California.
“All-World” references the inclusion of four international players along with 20 other athletes from ten states across the country. Among those 20 were 12 participants who also claimed honors from the Golden Arches last month in Chicago. The passport part of the roster featured two players from Canada, one from Serbia and another who calls Columbia home.
The day’s festivities also included a seventh grade girls game, two games (boys and girls) of up and coming eighth graders as well as competition between two rosters of California high school senior boys.
Without a doubt the All-World Girl’s High School game was the centerpiece of all the action Saturday. When all was said and done the White roster, led by team MVP and future South Carolina Gamecock Bianca Cuevas, edged out a 97 – 92 win over their counterparts donning the Black uniforms. Mississippi State signee Victoria Vivians was tabbed MVP for the Black in the contest held on the campus of Concordia University.
Multiple players had their fair share of moments in the typically defense optional affair. For the White Cuevas was constantly on the attack but connected from the perimeter time and again to keep defenders guessing. Brook McCarty, bound for Texas, provided a solid floor game creating looks for her teammates as well as herself. Her future teammate, Ariel Atkins continues to show why she’s among the elite in any class ranking with her versatile and ultra-athletic attack. The Bruins of UCLA have to be thrilled about the continued advancement of Lahjana Drummer’s midrange game which makes the talented forward a nightmare to defend. Amy Okonkwo, a 6-0 power player from Rancho Cucamonga, California who is headed to USC continues to provide a deceiving attack with the ball in her hands while creating her own opportunities.
Vivians had plenty moments for the Black and demonstrated why, had she had more national exposure, may well have claimed a spot among the elite few in any ranking of her classmates. South Carolina post to be Jatarie White wrapped up her high school efforts with a more confident attack and a demonstrated willingness to do more than just take what the defense gives her. Bad news for SEC defenders down the road. Jordin Canada had the crowd in her corner and while it wasn’t her usual dominant performance, several drives late in the game served as reminders why the UCLA destined Canada is a factor any time she’s on the floor. Future Lady Vol Alexa Middleton continues to shoot the long ball well to go along with her skilled and intense attack. Myisha Hines-Allen also had a run late in the game that offered another glimpse of her college ready game. Louisville has to be pleased about her embrace of a physical style of play and how it will translate when she joins the Cardinals next season.
While the McDonald’s game stands alone in every way, the interest and participation of a deep pool of talent says there’s room for another national caliber game for graduating seniors each season. SchollyMe provided a fun, albeit very loose, weekend that, with further commitment and focus, could become something top level prospects will want to add to their resumes annually.
