For the second year in a row, McDonald’s All American Hometown Heroes presented by American Family Insurance will traverse the country recognizing the 24 boys selected to play in the 40th Annual McDonald’s All American Boys Game, and for the first time, the 24 girls selected to play in the Girls Game. Northwest Indiana is represented in this game by two student-athletes from La Lumiere - Brian Bowen and Jaren Jackson.
Over 700 seniors are nominated each year to play in the McDonald’s All American Games. This year La Lumiere was proud to find out that five senior boys were nominated for the honor: Jacob Epperson, Isaiah Coleman-Lands, Jaren Jackson, Brian Bowen, and Jordan Poole. With nine players nominated for the game coming from Indiana, having five of those nominees from one school is something that has never happened before.
La Lumiere is the only school in the nation to have two student-athletes selected to play on the 2017 team. The McDonald’s All American games represent the finest high school basketball talent and are where NBA players such as Derrick Rose and Kevin Durant had their start.
“Being a McDonald’s All American is something that I have wanted since I was a little kid. Watching all of my heroes who are in the NBA now play in the game only adds to the excitement surrounding it. Not only is it an honor to be selected, but it is great to be acknowledged for the hard work I have put in over the years. Because I have been an underdog my whole life in basketball, it is great to see my potential turn into production. I still have a long way to go to acheive my dream of playing in the NBA but receiving this honor let’s me know I am on the right path,” said Jaren Jackson, one of two senior boys receiving the honor.
Jaren is a 6-foot-11 power forward from Carmel, Indiana. He has signed with Michigan State University to continue his basketball career in college. He credits La Lumiere for teaching him to balance his school work and crazy basketball schedule. His father, Jaren Jackson Sr., played for the San Antonio Spurs during their 1999 NBA Championship win.
“I’m a McDonald’s All American. Wow. It’s still insane to say. Being selected for such a prestigious event means the world to me. Since 7th grade I’ve watched this game every year, and every year I hoped that someday I would be in those guys shoes. Now that I’m here I am truly blessed and have accomplished one of my biggest dreams. It shows that my hard work has paid off from the late nights to the early mornings. It’s such a dream come true for me, and I’m sure super excited,” said Brian, the other recipient of the honor.
Brian ‘Tugs’ Bowen is a 6-foot-7 forward from Saginaw, Michigan. As of right now he has not signed with a college yet but has announced he will make his final decision within the upcoming month. He has narrowed his list down to five schools: Creighton, Texas, Michigan State, Arizona, and North Carolina. Brian led La Lumiere in the Dick’s Nationals Tournament last year narrowly losing to Oak Hill in the championship game.
The boys were brought up on stage in front of the entire school and presented their jerseys from two McDonald’s All American representatives. Afterwards, their parents were honored with Dream awards by American Family insurance for inspiring their son's’ dreams to play basketball. The award was a pleasant surprise for the families and was an awesome way to recognize the hard work the family puts in as well. The presentations are intended to recognize the impact of the players on the community, and the impact of the community on the players.
“This is extremely special because Brian and Jaren are two boys selected from the same school. Being a Mcdonald’s All American is one of the biggest high school honors you can get in basketball. We are excited to present them with their jerseys, and their families with a little surprise,” said Stephanie, McDonald’s All American representative.
The 40th annual McDonald’s All American Games will be held at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on March 29th, 2017. The girls game will tip off at 4:00 P.M. on ESPNU, and the boys game will tip off at 6:00 P.M on ESPN.