Shade receives her McDonald’s All-American jersey

BY STAN MADDUX

Agirls’ basketball player from La Lumiere School was again living a dream when presented with her commemorative McDonald’s All-American jersey.

Ashlynn Shade was given the jersey on her home court during halftime against the Capital Home School Academy Program out of East Lansing, Michigan.

Shade transferred to La Lumiere for her senior year after leading Noblesville to the Indiana state championship in Class 4A last season.

Every high school player chosen as a McDonald’s All-American receives a jersey containing the last two numbers of the year they were chosen to participate in the prestigious game.

Shade first realized her dream when she was among the members of the East and West squads chosen last month from over 700 players nominated throughout the nation.

Head coach Matt Marvin said members from each roster will receive their actual game jerseys prior to the match-up at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, March 28.

“I’m just proud of her. She’s earned it. She’s worked so hard for this,” he said. Marvin said Shade is the first player in the history of the girls’ program at La Lumiere to be named a McDonald’s All-American.

“It’s not very common so we’re pumped,” he said.

Three players in the history of the boys’ program have been selected as McDonald’s All-Americans.

The boys’ program, which has several former players in the NBA, began recruiting student-athletes from across the nation and other countries more than a decade ago.

Marvin said the girls’ program at the college prep school in northern La Porte County began moving in that direction a few years ago.

Currently, their schedule includes some of the best teams primarily from Indiana and Illinois.

Shade, who’s committed to playing next season at the University of Connecticut, said her decision to transfer was difficult but one she felt was best for her personal growth.

Specifically, she wanted to prepare academically and athletically for life on campus and one of the best women’s college basketball programs in the nation.

Shade said she also wanted time away from her family to learn how to become more independent as part of her desire for a smooth transition to college.

Shade, a 5’11” play making and shooting guard, said she misses not playing in her hometown but has no regrets about her decision.

“I’ve never been happier and with this group of girls it makes it even more special. It’s been a super great experience for me,” she said.

Shade said making the McDonald’s All-American team was a goal she set for herself beginning as a freshman.

“It’s such an honor to be part of that list because it’s so, like, historically amazing,” she said.