DJ Wagner, the first third-generation player in the history of the McDonald’s All-American Game, delivered a second half to remember as he propelled the East squad to a dramatic 109-106 comeback victory over the West in the prestigious event Tuesday night in Houston.
The Kentucky recruit and three-time Gatorade New Jersey and Courier-Post Player of the Year garnered co-Most Valuable Player honors as he tallied 19 points, all in the second half, in the win. Isaiah Collier, a USC commit, was MVP of the West after scoring a game-high 25 points.
Wagner had a go-ahead, two-hand slam with 33 seconds remaining and knocked down two clutch free throws in the final seconds to seal the triumph.
Wagner joined his father Dajuan and grandfather Milt as McDonald’s All-Americans.
Wagner’s Camden and future-Kentucky teammate Aaron Bradshaw was outstanding as well as he had 18 points and 8 rebounds for the victors.
Walter Cornett, of Glendale, Kentucky, is the owner and operator of Walter’s Wildcat World. He founded WildcatWorld.com in 1998 making it one of the oldest Kentucky basketball fan sites in operation today.