Top 48 emerging basketball stars take the court in the Annual Girls and Boys Games on April
La Jolla CA— Te-Hina Paopao of La Jolla Country Day School joined the rich legacy of high school basketball elite as she was selected to the prestigious 2020 McDonald’s All American Girls Game. Paopao’s selection was revealed during ESPN’s The Jump on January 23. The complete 2020 roster can be viewed at https://www.mcdonaldsallamerican.com/content/dam/aag/mcdaag-2020-roster.pdf.
Paopao will showcase her skills alongside 23 other top female high school basketball players from across the U.S. After persevering through two ACL injuries early in her La Jolla Country Day tenure, she’s now averaging 24.3 points per game as a combo guard for the Torreys, coached by Terri Bamford. The five-foot nine Point Guard is set to attend University of Oregon next season.
To see the next generation of basketball greats, tune in to the 19th Annual McDonald’s All American Girls Game live on ESPN2 at 5:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 1st from Houston’s Toyota Center. The 43rd Annual Boys Game will tip-off live on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. ET. Tickets are now available through the Toyota Center box office.
“Having hosted the 2006 McDonald’s All American Games here in San Diego, we understand the energy, excitement and talent that culminates at the annual games,” said Philip Palumbo, San Diego County McDonald’s restaurant owner. “We’re proud of Te-Hina Paopao’s finalist selection and honored to have her represent San Diego in this prestigious event that recognizes the next generation of basketball stars, while also supporting the important work of Ronald McDonald House Charities.”
Paopao now shares the McDonald’s All American title with many notable basketball players who have also donned the McDonald’s All American jersey including: Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, James Harden, Candace Parker, Maya Moore, Elena Delle Donne, Skylar Diggins and Breanna Stewart.
“From the moment I met her at the age of 10, I knew Te-Hina was special,” said Terri Bamford, La Jolla Country Day School Girls Basketball Coach and Athletic Liaison for College Counseling. “Her work-ethic, basketball IQ, ability to overcome adversity, and amazing leadership separate her from the rest. She is an amazing talent, yet so humble and deserving of this honor. She is a credit to our basketball program and school. We are proud to have her join fellow LJCDS McDonald’s All-American alums, Candice Wiggins ’04 and Kelsey Plum ’13.”
On Tuesday the McDonald’s All American Games lost a champion with the passing of its founder Morgan Wootten. It was his passion for coaching that led to the founding of the McDonald’s All American Games as a showcase to recognize the best high school basketball talent in the country. Since 1978, Morgan championed emerging basketball stars and helped girls and boys realize their dreams.
The McDonald’s All American Games continue to celebrate the nation’s top athletes on their journey from hustle to greatness, while also enriching relationships with local communities across the country. Family, friends and fans can follow-along on their journey @mcdaag on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
One way that comes to life is though the McDonald’s All American Games continued support of Ronald McDonald House Charities and its network of local chapters. At RMHC, programs like the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® provide comfort and compassion to families with ill or injured children so they are fully supported and able to be a part of their child’s care.
About McDonald’s of Southern California
McDonald’s of Southern California is comprised of more than 700 franchised and company-owned McDonald’s restaurants in Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties.
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About Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation that creates, finds, and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. Through its global network of over 275 Chapters in more than 65 countries and regions and its three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House®, the Ronald McDonald Family Room® and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, RMHC helps families with sick children stay together, and close to the medical care their child needs at leading hospitals worldwide. RMHC programs not only provide access to quality health care, they enable family-centered care ensuring families are fully supported and actively involved in their children’s care. For more information, visit rmhc.org. Follow @RMHC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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