Findlay Prep’s Bradley named to McDonald’s All-American team

For the first time in the three-year history of the program, the Findlay College Prep boys basketball team has a McDonald’s All-American on its roster.

As expected, senior guard Avery Bradley was named to the West squad Wednesday during a nationally televised announcement on ESPNU. The game will be played April 1 at BankUnited Center in Miami.

“It’s a great honor for me,” Bradley said in a phone interview. “It’s always been my dream to make the McDonald’s All-American game.

“There have been a lot of good players to play in this game before me. I feel good to have the same opportunity as them.”

Previous players in the game include Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

“It’s great for Avery to reach that accolade,” Findlay coach Michael Peck said. “It’s great for our program. He’s one of 24 (boys) in the country. We gain a lot of recognition with that.”

Bradley, who has signed with Texas, is ranked the No. 8 overall senior prospect in the nation by Rivals.com.

The 6-foot-3-inch, 175-pound native of Puyallup, Wash., also has been chosen to play in the Jordan Brand Classic on April 18 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Bradley said he plans to play in both all-star games.

Peck said Bradley has made a name for himself with a rare combination of athleticism and fundamentals.

“He’s a super-explosive athlete with an unbelievable mid-range game, which is a lost art nowadays,” Peck said.

Findlay (28-0) is ranked No. 2 in USA Today’s national Super 25 poll.

“I just want to win a national championship right now,” Bradley said.

Eight other area seniors were among the 2,500-plus nominees for the game, but only Bradley made the cut.

Other boys who were nominated were Findlay guard D.J. Richardson (signed with Illinois), Cheyenne guard Elijah Johnson (Kansas), Eldorado guard Mitrell Clark (uncommitted) and Western center Melvin Washington (uncommitted).

Girls who were nominated were Bishop Gorman post player Dannielle Diamant (Northwestern), Durango guard Mia Bell (UNLV), Centennial wing Johnna Brown (Dixie State) and Boulder City forward Caiti Forrester (Colorado State-Pueblo).