by Shawn Nowlin
For a high school basketball player, earning an invitation to participate in the Annual McDonald’s All-American Game is the highest honor an athlete can get. The reality of the situation is that just 24 male and female athletes are chosen each year out of the millions of players across the country.
Current William Fleming standout and future Liberty University Flame Amari Worsham was recently nominated to participate in the game. As she has done so often in her career, the 5’11 guard led the Colonels in multiple statistical categories against their crosstown rivals earlier this year.
When Worsham not only started varsity as an underclassman but outplayed players much older and stronger, it elevated her recognition to another level.
In addition to leading the Colonels to the VHSL Class 5 runner-up spot last year, Worsham was named a first-team all-state in Class 5, Region 5C Player of the Year and earned her second straight Blue Ridge District Player of the Year recognition.
As her high school career comes to an end, Worsham is driven to bring another state title to Fleming. With her in uniform, Coach Richard Wilson believes they can compete with any opponent on their schedule.
If Worsham does indeed make the prestigious game, she will be among the few Roanoke Valley athletes to ever accomplish the feat.
Reigning Most Valuable Player of the WNBA Aja Wilson said this when asked what it meant to be a McDonald’s All-American in high school, “It was a blessing, An absolute blessing. These are the types of things you dream about growing up. Whether you are the first person chosen or the last, once you make the game, you are forever part of a rare sorority.”
Each September, high school athletic directors, coaches and the McDonald’s All-American selection committee members can start nominating players. The formalization and announcement process usually goes through February. From there, committee members go through multiple phases of ballot voting until the final 24 are chosen.
“Making the game was a dream come true for my family and me. I put so many hours into my craft when I was coming up that I lost count,” UConn legend Paige Beckers said before winning a national championship. “If you are fortunate enough to make the team, it will be a memory that you will never forget.”
For those wondering, the 2026 McDonald’s All-American Girls Game will take place on March 31 at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
