Hoophall Classic: McDonald's Candidates Who Helped Themselves

It’s getting close to that time. In an era in which players are concerned with NIL budgets and fits at the collegiate level, the vast majority of the nation’s top seniors have that stuff locked in and are focused on their final go around at the high school level. Aside from team success and leaving the high school ranks with a state title, there is one individual game that trumps the rest that people are vying for a spot to get in: The McDonald’s All-American Game.

While all of the national Top 10 players are shoo-ins for the game, the Panini HoopHall Classic is one of the final national events for ballers to showcase their talents in front of McDonald’s voters and NBA scouts alike before the ballots are finalized. Though far more goes into a McDonald’s vote than the one single game showing at HoopHall, it certainly gives seniors who are on the cusp that one last opportunity to put their stamp on that vote and many did over MLK weekend.

Here are six players who we feel solidified themselves as McDonald’s All Americans after the 2026 Panini HoopHall Classic:

Miles Sadler, 5’11, PG, CIA Bella Vista (Ariz.)

While he is certainly not the biggest guard in the country, Miles Sadler is continuing to make his case for the best senior point guard in the country. He is the catalyst for one of the nation’s best programs (CIA Bella Vista is No. 8 in the latest FAB 50), is a threat to score anytime he has the ball in his hands, and has developed into an elite playmaker who can fit pocket passes throw the smallest window. Given his continual production at both the AAU level and in the EYBL Scholastic throughout his career playing up a number of years, West Virginia’s marquee recruit all but locked up his McDonald’s bid at HoopHall.

Courtesy of Hoophall Classic

Abdou Toure, 6’5, SG, Norte Dame High School (Conn.)

There wasn’t a more defining individual McDonald’s case performance than that of Abdou Toure. The powerfully built two guard poured in a two-way performance of 31 points, eight rebounds, six blocks, three assists, and three steals against Jason Crowe and Inglewood HS (Cal.). He was finishing at an elite level at the rim, can play through contact, and changed the entire dynamic of the game with his impact on the defensive end. Toure is heading to play for John Calipari at Arkansas next year, but should be stopping in Phoenix for the McDonald’s game before hand.

Darius Ratliff, 7’0, C, Archbishop Stepinac (N.Y.)

While his brother Adonis tends to receive more of the national attention, Darius Ratliff reminded everyone that he is a five star prospect in his own right during his MVP performance in Stepinac’s win over IMG Academy. The long armed big man showed off his effortless jump shot from the 33-point line, was perfectly comfortable posting with his back to the basket, and utilized his size to exploit smaller defenders. Given his play on both ends of the floor, there wasn’t much more that the USC bound big could do to sure up his spot in the McDonald’s game.

Maximo Adams, 6’7, SF/PF, Sierra Canyon HS (Calif.)

One of the most productive forwards in the country, Adams just continued to end any argument about whether or not he should be a McDonald’s All-American with his play at the HoopHall Classic. The inside-out senior was a matchup nightmare vs. Columbus (Fla.) with his ability to go to work facing the basket, posting smaller defenders, and getting to his sweet spots efficiently with limited bounces. Having put up monster numbers over the summer in the EYBL and with Sierra Canyon, the UNC bound forward’s track record speaks for itself when being considered for McDonald’s.

Impressive shot-making display from Maximo Adams in Sierra Canyon’s win at Hoophall Classic. Effortless, efficient 24 points in 27 minutes. pic.twitter.com/mNaSDCFOpO

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) January 18, 2026

Toni Bryant, 6’9, PF, Southeastern Prep (Fla.)

As far as long term prospects are concerned, Toni Bryant showed as high a ceiling as anyone who is right there for the McDonald’s game at his new home. With Zephyrhills Christian head coach Zach Reynolds making an expected mid-season departure, Bryant made the move to a stacked Southeastern Prep team and immediately fit in during his opening weekend. The agile big man was an immediate lob threat, didn’t need any plans ran for him, and was an instant game changer defensively with his ability to guard in space. A focal point (along with future McDonald’s All American Jason Crowe Jr.) in a Missouri recruiting class that has made headwaves nationally, Bryant should be joining his future point guard in the nation’s most prestigious all-star classic.

Caleb Gaskins, 6’8, SF/PF, Christopher Columbus HS (Fla.)

A name that we have been familiar with since he entered the high school ranks, Caleb Gaskins has been the model of consistency as far as the class of 2026 goes, maintaining his five star ranking his entire high school career. Though Columbus didn’t fare well as a team in Springfield, it wasn’t due to the individual play of their Miami-bound senior. He absolutely thrived playing through contact on both ends of the floor, had a motor that didn’t stop, and is continually learning how to exploit mismatches with his versatility. Gaskins’ resume’ speaks for itself with the accomplishments that he’s made with USA Basketball, winning the Nike EYBL Peach Jam with Nightrydas Elite, and high school championships with both Montverde and Columbus.