Meredith Williams, a senior and starting point guard at Northville High School, has been nominated as a 2012 McDonald’s Basketball All-American.

 “The McDonald’s All-American Games presents the finest opportunity to preview the country’s best up and coming basketball talent,” said Morgan Wooten, chairman of McDonald’s All American Game Selection Committee. “This year’s nominees represent some of the top student-athletes in the country. We are privileged to acknowledge these individuals for their success on the basketball court, in the classroom, and in the community.”

 Only 293 high school senior girls from across the country were nominated for the 2012 McDonald’s All American Game. A total of six were from Michigan, including Williams. Players were nominated by high school coaches, athletic directors, principals and members of the McDonald’s All American Game Selection Committee.

"Meredith has been a great leader not to only for the Northville Girl’s Basketball program, but the overall Northville Athletic Department,” said Bryan Masi, Northville High School athletic director and one of Meredith’s sponsors through the selection process. “She excels on the field of play and in the classroom. It is a great honor for her just to be nominated as a McDonald's All-American. We are very proud of her."

Williams has played in the Legion Basketball Group for more than four years and has won the admiration of its head coach. Legion is one of the premier AAU Girl’s Basketball travel programs in Southeast Michigan.

 “For the 16-plus years of our organization's operation, I've had the privilege of working with some tremendous young people and some of the area's most talented athletes,” said William Jones, director and head basketball coach of the Legion Basketball Group. “Without question, Meredith Williams is tops among that group. Meredith is a perfect example of a young woman who has balanced athletic excellence with academic achievement. These accomplishments only underscore her capacity as a teammate and her genuine interest in the success of the team above self.

 “On the court, she really understands the strategy of the game and can execute. At Legion, we tend to run a Princeton type offense so Meredith was a great fit based on her ability to make good decisions, move the ball, and make shots. . I'm proud that Mer has been part of Legion and will continue to play with us.”

 This past summer, Williams averaged 13 points per game and was very effective defensively. Jones credits her with playing a major role in the Legion's recent successful run at the U.S. Junior Nationals, which were played in Indianapolis, Ind., last July. He said that success gave further visibility to the Legion program as well as to Williams, who was selected to the All Star Team

 Williams’ opposing coaches also complimented her abilities. “As an opposing coach, I have always admired Meredith not just for her exceptional basketball skills but more importantly for her leadership and sportsmanship,” said Bill Kelp, Girl’s Varsity head basketball coach at Novi High School, Northville’s arch rival.

 About McDonald’s All American High School Basketball Games

A complete website, which profiles the origin, rich history, and current updates related to this year’s events, is available at www.mcdaag.com. On February 9, 24 boys and 24 girls will be named to participate in the 2012 games taking place on March 28 at Chicago’s United Center. Net proceeds from ticket sales benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities.

 At Legion Basketball Group

The Legion-SELECT organization is one of the premier AAU Girl’s Basketball travel programs in Southeast Michigan. Legion’s stated mission is to provide the coaching, training, and exposure, which results in collegiate level play. Additional information is available at www.LegionSELECT.net.