By CHARLIE PARENT
Kentucky signee and Stepinac guard Boogie Fland finished a go-ahead putback with under a minute to play for the eventual game-winner as Team East won 88-86 in Tuesday’s McDonald’s All-American Game in Houston.
The finish punctuated a huge night for New York and New Jersey products. Fland came off the bench in the first half but instantly brought his team back into the game, drawing plaudits for his all-around effort.
Rutgers signee and Don Bosco product Dylan Harper got the Tri-state area off to a hot start in the first half. He ended with 22 points on 9-of-16 shooting, making pro reads in the pick-and-roll while showing great instincts throughout.
Harper was named Co-MVP for his efforts, becoming the first Rutgers signee to ever earn the honor.
“It’s been fun to watch,” Don Bosco head coach Kevin DiViero told ZAGSBLOG. “He’s scoring and distributing. [It was] a typical Dylan Harper game.”
North Carolina signee and Bronx native Ian Jackson got off to a slow start with just three points until exploding for 17 in the second half. Jackson was a key factor in fending off a West Team offense that caught fire in the second. Maryland commit Derek Queen, who hails from powerhouse Montverde Academy, was the other Co-MVP. Queen showed great touch around the rim, as he has all season long and finished with a game-high 23 points. Texas commit Tre Johnson made his case for the best scorer in this year’s class. He nailed five threes after starting 4-for-4 from deep. Kansas five-star Flory Bidunga had an impressive showing as well. The big man played well above the rim and consistently burst down the lane for open dunks in transition.Dylan Harper is putting on a show at the McDonald’s All-American game: pic.twitter.com/vSqnYKxGkF
— Brian Fonseca (@briannnnf) April 3, 2024
Follow Charlie on Twitter Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on FacebookKU commit Flory Bidunga showing out in the McDonald's All-American game. Shakes off Cooper Flagg for a bucket here. pic.twitter.com/7cNDHix7nO
— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) April 3, 2024
