Austin Named to McDonald's All-American Game
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Future Terrapin Shakira Austin has been selected to appear in the 17th annual McDonald’s All-American Girls game on March 28 as announced Tuesday. Austin is one of 24 players nationwide to earn a spot in the All-American game, which showcases the top seniors each year.
Austin, who is from Fredericksburg, Va., is a 6-5 forward that is ranked No. 3 overall and No. 2 forward by ESPN. She played junior and sophomore years at Colonial Forge High School, where she averaged 18.0 points and 12.3 rebounds per game and blocked 88 shots as a junior.She led Colonial Forge team to Class 6A state title and was named The Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star Player of the Year. She transferred to Riverdale Baptist this season, where she's averaging 15.1 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. Riverdale Baptist is ranked No. 15 nationally.
"Shakira is a long, athletic forward that will be extremely successful in our transition game," head coach Brenda Frese said. "She is versatile, can rebound and is a tremendous shot blocker. Shakira will impact the game on both ends of the floor."
Austin, Taylor Mikesell (Massillon, Ohio) and Olivia Owens (Niskayuna, N.Y.) make up the No. 4 class in the country next season. All three were McDonald's All-American nominees. Mikesell, a 5-9 guard, is ranked No. 32 overall and Owens, a 6-5 post, is ranked No. 33 overall by ESPN.
Austin is the 22nd McDonald's All-American signed by Frese to come to College Park. Current Terrapins Kaila Charles, Blair Watson, Brianna Fraser and Ieshia Small were all McDonald's All-Americans.
The Girls Game will tip off at 5 p.m. ET on March 28 at the Philips Arena in Atlanta. The game will be aired around the world on ESPN2.
-Terps-
