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Day
Two
of McDonald's All American Game Week
kicked off with the second full-team practices
at Ohio State's Recreation and
Physical Activity Center at 9am. The boys and
girls teams ran through more drills and play
scenarios in an effort to tighten up as a
collective unit in anticipation of Wednesday's
games.
 It's
well known that many former NBA players take an
interest in this week's events, with several
holding a place on the official advisory board.
It's unclear, though, how many of the young
players expected Larry Bird to show up to the
gym to observe the action on the court. Mr. Bird
stayed off to the side for roughly 30 minutes
and left just before the end of practice.
After
practice, the day's schedule called for a trip
to a local McDonald's location to eat lunch and
learn a few things about what it takes to work
at McDonald's.
While
several players asked questions about the cash
register and ice cream machine, DMV locals
Kendall Marshall and Ronika Ransford chose to
engage in a friendly competition to see who
could create the most elaborate -- and tasty --
sandwich combination. While Ransford's "Big
Mac Angus Swiss Burger" was considered
menu-worthy by the store's management,
Marshall's "Filet Mac" was both
creative, and apparently pretty tasty. Combining
several layers of cheese, lettuce, tomato,
tartar sauce, and two fish filets, the
"Number 15" will cost roughly $7, and
should debut at a location near you in the year
2013.
After
McDonald's, it was time for the players and
coaches to head down the road to the Columbus
Zoo. Upon arrival, the players were greeted by
Jack Hanna (via a pre-recorded video. Hanna
was unfortunately out of the country), and
introduced to several animals, including what
may possibly be the cutest baby elephant known
to man. "Beco" celebrated his first
birthday on Saturday, and to show his
appreciation for the players' visit he and his
mother Phoebe put on a brief basketball
exhibition, showing off their exemplary
ball-handling skills.
After
Beco and Phoebe said their goodbyes, the players
were then invited to view, and even feed, a
rhinoceros. While many were skeptical and even
unable to go through with the process, some
players accepted the challenge and were rewarded
with a healthy amount of rhino slobber and the
satisfaction of an accomplishment that few can
claim.
With
the first half of the day in the books, the only
thing left on the schedule was the Powerade
JamFest at Ohio State's Value City Arena.
Marshall and Ransford were set to compete in the
skills competition, with Baltimore native Josh
Selby signed on for the dunk contest.
 Both
Marshall and Ransford posted excellent times -- with Marshall
leading the way for the boys at just over 29 seconds -- and earned
a spot in their respective final rounds. Unfortunately, neither
player was able to walk away with 1st place, but both represented
their schools and the DC Metro Area in outstanding fashion.
The
final -- and most anticipated -- event of the evening pitted Selby
against stiff competition in some of the nation's preeminent
high-fliers. Selby was able to earn a spot in the final round
along with Ray McCallum, Perry Jones III and Patric Young, who was
quickly met with a chorus of boos from the Ohio State crowd after
flashing the "Gator Chomp," paying homage to a Florida
team that garnered his official commitment back in Nov. 2008.
Selby's
first dunk of the final round was so magnificent it earned him a
perfect score of 70 points, and put him in excellent position to
take home the title. After watching the competition flash some
impressive moves, Selby needed a score of 61 on his second dunk to
win the event.
He
didn't disappoint with a 360 spin and slam through the hoop, Selby
walked away with top honors.
The
players will start Day 3 with another 9am practice, followed by a
brief Media Day at the Ronald McDonald House. They will then have
over 24 hours to rest and recuperate before the All-American Games
on Wednesday.
Keep
your browser locked on www.vaelitehoops.com for continued coverage
from Columbus!
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