Kevon Looney, a senior honor student and basketball standout at Milwaukee Public Schools’ Alexander Hamilton High School, has been named a 2014 McDonald’s All-American, an honor given to just 48 boys and girls players around the country.
The 6-foot, 8-inch power forward’s accomplishment puts him in rare company: He’s one of two MPS students and one of only six boys and girls players from Wisconsin to ever be named an All-American, a recognition given to the nation’s top high school basketball players.
"It is a great honor to be selected to the McDonald’s All-American Game," Looney said. "It is something I have dreamed about my whole life. To represent my city and state is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget."
"We are honored that Kevon Looney is a part of the MPS family, not only because he is a stellar athlete but because he is also an exceptional student," MPS Superintendent Gregory Thornton added.
Hamilton Principal Rosana Mateo calls the senior "a role model for all students at Hamilton High School."
"He is an exceptional athlete and an honor student who excels academically," said Mateo.
Looney, who is set to attend and play for UCLA in the fall, will play for the east team at the McDonald’s All-American Games on April 2 in Chicago. Hamilton Coach Randy Williams calls him one of the best players he’s ever coached.
Washington High School graduate Calvin Rayford, the only other MPS All American in the 37-year history of the program, received the honor in 1991 and went on to play at the University of Kansas. Today, he’s a substitute teacher in MPS.
Other Wisconsin winners include: Joe Wolf, Kohler High School, 1983; Sam Okey, Cassville High School; 1995; Mistie Williams, Janesville Parker High School, 2002; Brian Butch, Appleton West High School, 2003; and Samantha Logic, Racine Case High School, 2011.