TicketsBROOKLYN, N.Y. – The McDonald's All-American Games have been a common thread among the best players in the game for nearly 50 years. Representing both the University of Cincinnati and their local communities in the major showcase game, Shon Abaev and Dee Alexander were selected from hundreds of possible high school players by a group of the best scouts in the game.
Cincinnati was one of seven teams that had signees in both games chosen to participate in this event. Alexander is the first UC women's basketball player to be named a McDonald's All-American. Abaev is the eighth signee and 12th overall to be named an All-American and play for the Bearcats.
Alexander, out of nearby Purcell Marian HS in Walnut Hills, contributed 15 minutes of play, finishing with nine rebounds, four points, two steals, and one assist, helping her team secure a double-digit win (104-82).
"Just going there to be able to help my team improve not only myself but everybody around me, being able to put the ball through the hoop. It's not just one person, it's always all five on the court at all times," Alexander said before the game on what working together with her teammates means to her and how she doesn't only focus on herself, but also her team.
In 13 minutes on the court, Abaev (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) scored eight points, grabbed one rebound, and recorded two steals. He also shot 2-of-3 from beyond the arc and 3-of-4 from the field, providing a bright spot for the East team in their 105-92 loss to the West.
"A lot of people don't know me as a facilitator, they see me as someone who just goes and scores, but I can play make as well," said Abaev. "I love to get my teammates involved and Coach Wes Miller and I have been talking for a while about what we are going to run and the things we are going to do to put me in a position to be myself and help my team win in any way I can."
Cincinnati was one of seven teams that had signees in both games chosen to participate in this event. Alexander is the first UC women's basketball player to be named a McDonald's All-American. Abaev is the eighth signee and 12th overall to be named an All-American and play for the Bearcats.
Alexander, out of nearby Purcell Marian HS in Walnut Hills, contributed 15 minutes of play, finishing with nine rebounds, four points, two steals, and one assist, helping her team secure a double-digit win (104-82).
"Just going there to be able to help my team improve not only myself but everybody around me, being able to put the ball through the hoop. It's not just one person, it's always all five on the court at all times," Alexander said before the game on what working together with her teammates means to her and how she doesn't only focus on herself, but also her team.
Winning plays on the big stage 🍔🍟
— Cincinnati Women's Basketball (@GoBearcatsWBB) April 2, 2025
Dee helped the West take the W with nine boards, four points and two charges last night! #TheSisterhood | #Bearcats pic.twitter.com/mFELRKDyX7
In 13 minutes on the court, Abaev (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) scored eight points, grabbed one rebound, and recorded two steals. He also shot 2-of-3 from beyond the arc and 3-of-4 from the field, providing a bright spot for the East team in their 105-92 loss to the West.
"A lot of people don't know me as a facilitator, they see me as someone who just goes and scores, but I can play make as well," said Abaev. "I love to get my teammates involved and Coach Wes Miller and I have been talking for a while about what we are going to run and the things we are going to do to put me in a position to be myself and help my team win in any way I can."
Burger Boy 🍔@shon_abaev finished with eight points (2-3 3FG) and two steals in last night's @McDAAG. pic.twitter.com/sGayquy501
— Cincinnati Men's Hoops (@GoBearcatsMBB) April 2, 2025