(La Porte County, IN) - A boys’ basketball player from La Lumiere High School was presented with his ceremonial jersey as one of the members of the 2022 McDonald’s All-American teams.

 

Two 12-member teams of McDonald’s All-Americans will play each other on March 29 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

 

J.J. Starling was presented the jersey during a Friday, March 18 ceremony at the school in northern LaPorte County.

 

“It’s a blessing. This was a dream of mine since I was a little kid, and just to be named with some of the great players in the country is just a blessing,” Starling told WNDU-TV out of South Bend after the presentation.

Starling, a transfer from Baldwinsville, New York, is committed to playing at the University of Notre Dame next season. The 6’4” guard was chosen from more than 760 nominees from across the country.

 

For 45 years, the McDonald’s All American Games have given some of the nation’s best high school basketball players a chance to show off their skills on a national stage.

 

“It’s an awesome honor. All of his hard work has paid off to where he was able to make the team, which is great,” said La Lumiere Head Coach Patrick Holmes.

Many former McDonald’s All-Americans have gone on to play in the NBA, including La Lumiere graduates Jared Jackson, Jr., Isaiah Stewart, and Brian Bowen. Jackson plays for the Memphis Grizzlies while Stewart is a member of the Detroit Pistons. Bowen, Jr. plays for the Iowa Wolves in the NBA G League.

 

Holmes said Starling’s ability to score from all over the court is his best strength. He also finishes strong at the rim. Starling led the Lakers in scoring at more than 16 points a game.