April 1, 2010
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Two of Maryland's five incoming freshmen were tabbed 2010 McDonald's All-Americans, although all five were nominees for the prestigious award. Laurin Mincy (University H.S., Newark, N.J.) and Alicia DeVaughn (Blanche Ely H.S., West Palm Beach, Fla.) both played for the East Team yesterday. Mincy also took part in the Girls Three-Point Shootout during the POWERADE Jam Fest the day before the game.
The McDonald's All American Games bring in the top high school talent in the nation to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Individuals are nominated through a rigorous, four-step selection process. The initial list of potential names is gathered by Sports America, Inc. Names are submitted by members of the Selection Committee as well as state representatives who follow the prep scene in their areas. Many rising seniors make this list based on an excellent junior year or for having an outstanding summer participating in summer camps and AAU tournaments.
Mincy played in 91 games in her high school career accumulating 1,845 points. She averaged 20.3 points per game and pulled down 6.5 rebounds per game, averaged 4.1 assists, 3.2 steals and 3.1 blocks per game. Mincy was the first sophomore in her high school to exceed 1,000 points and the first junior to pass the 1,500 point mark. Her season-high in points came during her junior season in a game against Washington (South Bend, Ind.). Mincy tallied 39 points on 12-for-30 shooting and added seven steals to her incredible offensive performance.
She was named "Best of the Decade" by the New Jersey Star Ledger this year, a list of 10 female athletes from various sports made up the list, including former Terp Crystal Langhorne. Mincy was the first freshman named First Team All-State in girl's basketball, was the State Player of the Year twice and helped University High School to the Tournament of Champions title as a freshman.
Mincy's accolades also include: Star Ledger State Player of the Year (2009, 2008); NJ State Gatorade Player of the Year (2009); All-State (2009, 2008, 2007); Essex County Player of the Year (2007); Tournament of Champions MVP (2007); Two time NJSIAA State Group I Championship MVP (2008, 2007); Member of National Honor Society at University HS; Rated the #1 Shooting Guard in the Nation.
DeVaughn is a 6-4 center and is rated the No. 5 center in the nation and an ESPNU Top 100 Player. She is coming out of a stellar high school career, averaging a double-double with 19.6 points per game and 18.4 boards per contest. In the district semifinal game this year, DeVaughn used her size to her advantage, pulling down an amazing 32 rebounds in addition to 20 points, against the Nova Titans.
Described as a very competitive and humble player by her coach Tommie Butts, DeVaughn used her tremendous talent and leadership instinct to take her Florida high school team to a 22-4 record this season. Something Coach Butts said they couldn't have done without her.
She is a two-time Florida First Team All-State member (2008, 2009), voted to Florida Fab Five Team in 2008 and 2009 and took her team to the Florida State Championship in 2008.
For more information and up-to-date news on your Maryland women's basketball program visit, www.umterps.com and www.MarylandWomensBasketball.com.
