McDonald’s All American Games Impact Communities Beyond Basketball

Day one of the McDonalds All American practice

Image: SLAM HIGHLIGHTS | YouTube

The highlight of the weekend wasn’t from an intense scrimmage. It wasn’t a showstopper at the McDonald’s All American Games, nor did it emerge from a top-tier recruit.

It didn’t come from promising talent AJ Dybantsa, who soared over Angel Reese in the dunk contest. Mikel Brown Jr. and Aaliyah Chavez claimed the 3-point titles, but they too didn’t produce the weekend’s most memorable moment.

Instead, it was a 9-year-old boy at the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park, Queens, who stole the show as some of America’s top high school basketball players engaged in activities with families and children receiving support from the charity.

The young boy was perched atop a jungle gym when Chavez handed him a small, Nerf-like basketball. He raised the ball towards a 5-foot toy hoop that was 20 feet away.

SWISH! … nothing but net.

The yard erupted in applause. The boy beamed with joy. Chavez raised her arms in triumph. Fellow McDonald’s All American Grace Knox was taken aback — her jaw dropped, hands wide in astonishment.

“It was an honor to be here with these kids,” said Duke commit Cayden Boozer. “Despite their struggles, they still have smiles on their faces.”

The visit to the Ronald McDonald House had a profound impact on both the players and the children involved.

“It’s eye-opening to see,” Boozer added.

Since 1977, the McDonald’s All American Game has been a platform for showcasing the stars of tomorrow in basketball.

Notable NBA figures such as LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, and Kevin Durant have proudly worn the iconic white, yellow, and red jerseys—showcasing a legacy of philanthropy and community engagement that runs deeper than basketball.

Carmelo Anthony, a former 10-time NBA All-Star and future Hall of Famer, participated as a McDonald’s All American in 2002.

The prestigious game that year unfolded at Madison Square Garden, and he reminisced about that weekend as if it were just yesterday.

“The McDonald’s All American Game puts you in an environment where it’s bigger than basketball. There’s more to it,” Anthony shared. “It’s about helping people out. Helping kids out. Helping communities. It’s a very community-based organization.”

“That’s one lesson I learned during my experience at the (McDonald’s All American) game,” Anthony remarked.

Anthony, hailing from New York, made a surprise appearance this year at New Heights Youth, Inc., a youth development organization centered around sports.

During a basketball clinic hosted by the organization, he surprised the youngsters with McDonald’s All American Games Happy Meals and special jerseys crafted by Brooklyn designer Tyrrell Winston, inspired by Carmelo’s 2002 McDonald’s All American Games uniform.

“It’s amazing to see the kids smiling,” said Anthony.

Visits to the Ronald McDonald House have been an integral part of the McDonald’s All American Games for over 20 years.

“We’ve had the benefit of a legacy, and every year we consider how we are building on that legacy,” stated McDonald’s Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer Michael Gonda. “That happens on the court with the players … a lot of it occurs off the court. For us, this goes beyond just one night of basketball.”

The athletes not only decorated cupcakes, but also played video games, had shoot-arounds, and shared Happy Meals with the children.

“We’re here to make a difference in the community. This year, that’s New York City,” Gonda added. “Many (McDonald’s All American) athletes from previous years have felt that same commitment to make this more than just a game.”

Sabrina Ionescu earned the MVP title at the McDonald’s All American game in 2016.

She went on to be the top overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft.

Draft before achieving recognition as a three-time All-Star and securing the 2024 WNBA championship with the New York Liberty.

“(Giving back) is a big piece of what I want to do,” explained Ionescu, who proudly identifies as Romanian-American. “I want my legacy to have a positive effect on communities and promote the game of basketball. I also aim to reach out globally, tapping into various countries to gain insight into the hurdles and challenges they face there.

“Basketball is a universal language, so for me, it’s about using my platform to provide access. I always remind myself that my role is much larger than just me, and it’s fundamentally about giving back.”

During the boys McDonald’s All-American game on April 1, ESPN’s Paul Biancardi highlighted the exceptional talent within this year’s roster.

AJ Dybantsa, who is set to join BYU, is regarded as the consensus No. 1 overall recruit and is anticipated to be a lottery pick in the NBA Draft of 2026. Meanwhile, Darryn Peterson, a guard heading to Kansas, could also quickly find himself in NBA discussions after a single year in college.

Dybantsa is already considering his future community contributions.

“Wherever I hope to get drafted, that city will have my love and support,” he shared in an interview.

The game also featured players with family ties to the NBA.

Cameron and Cayden Boozer are the sons of former NBA forward Carlos Boozer. In addition, USC commit Alijah Arenas is the child of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas. The concept of giving back is familiar to them.

“I understand that there’s more to life than just basketball and what it can offer,” said Arenas. “I’m someone who loves to laugh and have fun, that’s just who I am. No matter where I go … I just want to spread happiness.”

The McDonald’s All American Games have made a significant impact on communities through their partnership with Ronald McDonald House, ensuring that each year’s promising basketball stars are role models not just on the court but off it as well.

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Athletic Highlights
Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais Joins 2026 Polynesian Bowl Roster
2026 Englewood Cherry Creek DL offer Tufanua Umu-Cais
Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek defensive lineman Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais has received an invitation to participate in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl, as announced on Tuesday.
The standout player from Colorado expressed his excitement about this honor.
“Being selected to the Polynesian Bowl is a huge honor,” stated Umu-Cais. “It’s a recognition of all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices I’ve made, and it means even more knowing how much pride and history are connected to the game. I have seen many players in the Poly Bowl and even players that are in the league now. It is truly special to be a part of something like that.”
Umu-Cais is eager to immerse himself in the experience in Hawaii.
“I’m extremely excited,” he said. “The Polynesian culture is so rich, full of pride, family, and tradition. I’m looking forward to learning more, meeting new people, and embracing everything the experience has to offer. I am extremely excited to immerse myself in the Poly community because it’s my culture. I can’t wait to really put on for my family as well as my community.”
This will mark his first visit to the Aloha State.
“I haven’t been to Hawaii yet, so this will be my first time,” Umu-Cais shared. “I’m really looking forward to it—the beauty, the culture, and the experience of a lifetime.”
Additionally, Umu-Cais is enthusiastic about the opportunity to compete alongside some of the nation’s top talents.
“I do not know the roster yet and what players are going to be attending, but I look forward to meeting them and also competing,” he noted.
The roster for the 2026 Polynesian Bowl includes early invitees such as Immanuel Iheanacho, Faizon Brandon, DJ Jacobs, Myson Johnson-Cook, Brandon Arrington, Chris Henry Jr., Kendre Harrison, Cederian Morgan, Honor Fa’alave-Johnson, Xavier Griffin, Kelsey Adams, Jamier Brown, George Toia, and Jett Washington.
The 2027 Polynesian Bowl will feature early invites including Elijah Haven, Trent Seaborn, and Marcus Fakatou.
Launched in 2017, the Polynesian Bowl saw its first Offensive MVP awarded to former Stanford all-purpose back Connor Wedington, while Buffalo Bills defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa earned the Defensive MVP. The following year, Kyler Gordon from the Chicago Bears and Tanner McKee from the Philadelphia Eagles were named Co-MVPs.
The 2019 contest awarded co-MVP honors to Daniel Heimuli, a linebacker from Arizona, and Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams. In 2020, Sol-Jay Maiava, the quarterback from BYU, and Meki Pei from Hawaii won co-MVP awards.
The 2021 edition saw Travis Hunter from Colorado take home the offensive MVP title, while Jaishawn Barham of Michigan earned defensive MVP honors. In 2023, Nico Iamaleava, a quarterback from Tennessee, was named offensive MVP, and linebacker Andrew Harris garnered defensive MVP accolades.
The 2024 game awarded offensive MVP to Mike Matthews from Tennessee and defensive MVP to David Stone of Oklahoma. Lastly, the 2025 contest featured co-MVPs on offense in Husan Longstreet from USC and Dakorien Moore from Oregon, while 2026 defensive lineman Deuce Geralds earned the defensive MVP honor.
The tenth Polynesian Bowl is scheduled for January 16, 2026, in Honolulu and will be broadcasted by NFL Network.
For more details on the 2026 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.
The eleventh Polynesian Bowl is slated for January 22, 2027, in Honolulu and will also be aired by NFL Network.
For insights on the 2027 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.
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Athletic Highlights
Creighton Secures Former MEAC Player of the Year Blake Harper
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Blake Harper, a standout freshman basketball player from Howard University, confirmed his transfer to Creighton University on Sunday through social media.
Harper, who garnered both the MEAC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, shared his decision on Instagram @_bharp.
“you can’t say i ain’t earn it??” he wrote. “RDJ”
A Washington, D.C. native who previously played at Gonzaga College High School, Harper entered the transfer portal on March 24 and ultimately chose Creighton, turning down offers from LSU and Ohio State. Standing 6-foot-8, he also had the choice to return to Howard.
Harper is set to join a Creighton team coached by Greg McDermott, who led the Bluejays to an impressive 25-11 overall record, including a 15-5 performance in the Big East Conference during the 2024-25 season. The Bluejays secured an NCAA Tournament spot and concluded the season ranked 24th in the USA Today Coaches poll.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Harper made an impact at Howard, starting in all 32 games and averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, contributing to the Bison’s 12-20 record, which included a 7-7 performance in the MEAC.
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Athletic Highlights
Which Teams Are Leading Michigan High School Baseball This Week?
Bay City Western baseball ready for state semifinals
The Michigan high school baseball season has kicked off, and we’re here to deliver weekly rankings of the top teams across the state during the spring and summer months.
Check out this week’s standout teams in the Mitten region.
Michigan High School Baseball Rankings: Apr. 29
1. Bay City Western (12-1)
Bay City Western triumphed over Flint Powers Catholic 9-0 last Thursday but faced a setback with a 4-1 loss against Midland on Monday. The Warriors are gearing up for their next games against Lapeer on May 1 and Grand Blanc on May 5.
2. De La Salle (12-2)
The Pilots swept Auburn Hills Avondale on Saturday, winning both games 15-0, with game one ending after four innings and game two after three. De La Salle’s next challenge comes in the form of a doubleheader against Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on April 30.
3. Northville (14-1)
The Mustangs notched wins against Hartland and two over Utica last week, followed by a victory against Howell on Monday. Northville is poised for a rematch against Howell on April 30.
4. Dakota (11-4)
After a heavy 10-0 loss to Rochester Adams last weekend, the Cougars bounced back with decisive wins against Sterling Heights Stevenson, claiming victories of 10-0 on Monday and 14-2 on Tuesday. Dakota is slated to face Stevenson two more times to wrap up their four-game series.
5. Birmingham Brother Rice (11-6)
The Warriors pulled off a sweep against Detroit Edison last week (2-0) and secured a 10-6 victory over Hartland on Friday. Up next, Brother Rice will face rival De La Salle for a doubleheader on April 30.
6. Grosse Pointe South (18-2)
With a win over Detroit Edison on Saturday, the Blue Devils set a new school record with their 15th consecutive victory. Although they stumbled against Anchor Bat on Monday, they have a chance for revenge on April 30 and May 1.
7. Saline (15-1)
The Hornets swept Chelsea in two games on Saturday and achieved a similar result against Ann Arbor Huron on Monday. With a five-game winning streak, Saline is stepping into the final match of their three-game series against Ann Arbor Huron on April 30.
8. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-8)
OLSM traveled to Ohio over spring break, where they faced three games: an 8-7 defeat against Anthony Wayne, a 3-2 loss to Defiance on Saturday, and an 8-3 loss to Perrysburg later that day. The Eaglets are set to resume their Catholic League schedule on April 30 with a doubleheader against U of D Jesuit.
9. Romeo (16-2)
The Bulldogs are on an impressive seven-game winning streak, recently sweeping Stoney Creek on Saturday. They’ll look to maintain their momentum with a visit to Utica Ford next on May 1.
10. Sterling Heights Stevenson (12-2)
Stevenson is riding a three-game winning streak after defeating Anchor Bay twice on Saturday and mercying Dakota on Monday. The Titans will meet Dakota again on April 30 and May 1 before a brief pause, then face Utica Ford on May 5.
11. Hudsonville (12-2)
The Eagles wrapped up last week with a strong 5-1 record, including victories against Jenison and Rockford. Hudsonville is set to take on Rockford again on May 1 before hosting a doubleheader against Maple Valley the following day.
12. Jenison (8-2)
The Wildcats dominated Muskegon with a 15-0 win but narrowly lost to Hudsonville 9-8 last week. They split a doubleheader against Caledonia on Tuesday (W, 10-0; L, 3-2), with a rubber match scheduled for May 1.
13. New Boston Huron (16-0)
The Chiefs kept their unbeaten record intact last week with wins over Allen Park and Milan. They are set to play Flat Rock next on April 30 and have a matchup with Dearborn Divine Child on May 2.
14. Detroit Catholic Central (10-6)
The Shamrocks are currently on a four-game winning streak, most recently sweeping Portage Central on Tuesday. Up next, Detroit Catholic Central will face St. Francis de Sales in a doubleheader on April 30.
15. West Bloomfield (8-3)
The Lakers split a doubleheader with Rochester last week and followed that up with back-to-back wins against Groves, including an 8-1 victory on Tuesday. West Bloomfield will meet Groves once more on May 1 before taking on Stoney Creek on May 3.
16. Dexter (13-6)
The Dreadnaughts have struggled recently, dropping four of their last six games, including both matches in a doubleheader against Ann Arbor Skyline on Monday. They have another opportunity against Skyline on April 30 before heading to Adrian on May 3.
17. Woodhaven (15-5)
The Warriors have secured consecutive victories after experiencing two losses in a row, with their latest triumph coming against Dearborn Edsel Ford, winning 2-1 in a dramatic nine-inning game on Monday. Woodhaven’s upcoming opponents include Wyandotte on April 30, followed by Taylor on May 1.
18. Rochester Adams (15-4)
Rochester Adams holds a 2-2 record over its last four games, having recently suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Stoney Creek on Tuesday. The Highlanders have another chance to face Stoney Creek on May 2 before taking on Grosse Pointe North in a doubleheader on May 3.
19. Trenton (13-3)
The Trojans went 2-1 at the 9th Bob Kreszyn Classic on Saturday, achieving victories over Wayland and Flint Powers Catholic, with their only setback against Utica Ford. Additionally, Trenton triumphed over Taylor on Monday, and their next matchup is against Dearborn Edsel Ford on April 30.
20. Midland (6-2)
Midland upset the top-ranked team in the state, securing a 4-1 victory over Bay City Western on Monday. Despite a number of canceled games this season, the Chemics’ schedule is about to heat up, starting with a game against Davison on April 30.
21. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (9-5)
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep faced a tough doubleheader against Flushing on Saturday, resulting in two losses, but bounced back on Monday with a solid 9-2 win over U of D Jesuit.
22. Detroit Western (13-5)
After a 12-7 win against Grosse Pointe North on Saturday, the Cowboys suffered an 8-3 loss to Grosse Pointe South later that day. However, they regained their momentum with a 5-2 victory over Cass Tech on Tuesday. Detroit Western is set to face Livonia Stevenson next on April 30.
23. Grand Ledge (13-5)
The Comets faced a tough defeat in a doubleheader against Okemos on Monday, breaking a four-game winning streak. Grand Ledge will aim to bounce back during a doubleheader against Lansing Everett on May 1.
24. Mattawan (8-2-3)
Mattawan has triumphed in four of its last five outings, although they faced a setback against Grandville, losing 4-3 on Saturday. The Wildcats will take on Gull Lake next in a doubleheader on April 30.
25. Allen Park (8-5)
The Jaguars managed to avoid a third consecutive loss by overpowering Lincoln Park with a decisive 15-0 win on Monday. Allen Park will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Taylor for a doubleheader on April 30.
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