DJ Wagner scored 19 points, all in the second half, to help the East rally past the West for a 109-106 victory in the McDonald’s All American Boys Game on Tuesday night in Houston.
After Bronny James sank his fifth 3-pointer of the night to give the West a 106-105 with 1:22 remaining, Wagner threw down a fastbreak dunk with 30.8 seconds to go to put the East ahead by one.
Isaiah Collier then had a chance to knot the score or even allow the West to re-establish its lead when he was fouled by Sean Stewart with 12.8 seconds left, but he missed a pair of free-throw attempts. It was a rough night at the charity stripe for Collier, who went just 5-for-12 at the foul line.
Stewart snatched up the rebound and got the ball in the hands of Wagner, who sank a pair of free throws. Jared McCain had one last chance to tie things up for the West, but his deep 3-point attempt from the elbow ricocheted off the backboard, allowing the East to sneak off with the win.
Thanks to his second-half heroics, Wagner was named co-MVP alongside Collier, who poured in 25 points.
“It was a great experience. I’m just honored just to be able to come out here and step on the court with these guys,” Wagner said. “We said we all want to come out here and compete, cause that’s what we do, we all competitors, and that’s what we did.”
Wagner, who attends Camden (N.J.) High School and is committed to play at Kentucky, is the first third-generation player to compete in a McDonald’s All American Boys Game. His grandfather, Milt, and his father, Dajuan, also had the chance to showcase their talents.
“It’s a honor for me every day just to wear this last name, step up behind two greats, two legends,” Wagner said. “It’s just a honor.”
Following the game, James’ dad, NBA superstar LeBron James, was seen congratulating Wagner.
Aaron Bradshaw added 18 points and eight rebounds for the East, while Justin Edwards supplied 11 points and five rebounds. Both are committed to play at Kentucky.
Bronny James chipped in 15 points for the West, which led 60-51 at intermission.
–Field Level Media