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Basketball Sun Mar 31 2013
McDonald's All-American Game Invades Chicago This Week
For the third consecutive year, the famed McDonald's All-American Game will be played at the United Center. The nation's top boys and girls will take the floor Wednesday night in a doubleheader. Whitney Young's Linnae Harper and Simeon's Jabari Parker will both represent Chicago and suit up for the West teams.
The games usually change sites each year, but a combination of fan interest and high revenue (which goes to charity!) has kept the games in Chicago since 2011. It probably didn't hurt that the McDonald's people knew a high-profile star like Jabari Parker would attract a hometown crowd.
Since 1978, 25 Chicago high school senior boys have played in the game. Here's a handy table! (Full version with hover-over comments/facts!)
On Monday night, the Gerald Ratner Athletic Center at the University of Chicago will host the Powerade Jam Fest. Festivities will include a three-point contest, a skills competition, and -- duh -- a dunk contest.
Photo by Kelly Kline of Fullcourt.com