Jason Crowe Jr., Caleb Holt: Lovin’ It At McDonald’s

Missouri-bound Jason Crowe Jr. and Arizona-bound Caleb Holt named co-MVPs at the 2026 McDonald’s All-American Game in Arizona.

The best in high school basketball participated in the 49th annual McDonald’s All-American Game at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., on Tuesday evening. It was the first time the rotating site event has taken place in the Valley of the Sun.

Photo by Brian Spurlock/McDonalds

Coming into the game, the West club had what was considered the more talented roster with four of the five top consensus ranked players among its 12-man roster. The East club, led by guard Jordan Smith Jr. of FAB 50 No. 3 Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.), hung around for a half, but the West club picked up its defense in the third and fourth period to record a 102-86 victory in front of approximately 5,000 fans.

The game was tied at 42-42 at halftime after the East All-Stars took an early lead, but the shooting and defensive energy of Caleb Holt of FAB 50 No. 1 Prolific Prep (Southwest Ranches, Fla.), helped the West take a 61-54 lead with 2:08 to go in the third period. The East club trialed 66-60 heading in to the fourth period, but the West was able to break the game open with its defensive pressure and the play-making of point guard Jason Crowe Jr. of Inglewood (Calif.).

The West outscored the East, 36-26 in the fourth period after the teams went back in forth in the third period. Leading the charge defensively was the player many consider the No. 1 prospect in the class, Tyran Stokes of FAB 50 No. 21 Rainier Beach (Seattle, Wash.), who was making things happen on both ends of the floor. The West team took a 74-64 lead on a steal and dunk by Crowe, California’s all-time leading scorer by over 1,000 points (4,718 according to Cal-Hi Sports) on a list filled with former NBA and at least two future ones, and Stokes got into the act with his physical play and passing ability that created easy transition buckets for the West club down the stretch.

Holt and Crowe were named co-MVPs of the game.

Holt, bound for Arizona and the unofficial MVP of the second practice session, finished with 11 points, including the two critical 3-pointers that jump started the West’s efforts in the third period, to go along with five rebounds and four assists. Crowe, headed for Missouri, netted a game-high 16 points and was credited with five assists after missing the second practice session and Sunday’s scrimmage with an ankle injury.

Stokes, still undecided for college, had 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks shots. It was clearly evident at times why the Louisivlle, Ky., native is the most physically gifted player of the 2026 class.

“I have played against these guys for a while; I always wanted to play with them and I knew we were going to win by a lot,” Crowe Jr. said on the ESPN telecast.

Smith Jr., one of 12 McDonald’s All-Americans headed to Indianapolis to play in Chipotle Nationals with his high school club over the next four days, led the East club with 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. At times he imposed his will on the game, but made 2-of-6 3-pointers and 6-of-12 shots from the field.

Toni Bryant of FAB 50. No. 27 Southeastern Prep Academy (Orlando, Fla.), who was impressive in both practice sessions and who stock rose as much as any of the 24 players in attendance, added 14 points and five rebounds for the East club. Bryant will join Crowe at Missouri.

The West All-Stars led in assists, 25-16, and out-rebounded the East All-Stars, 50-44. The West club was the favorite coming in and were motivated to perform after losing the scrimmage by two points.

Jason Crowe Jr. McDonald’s All-American game highlights…because why not? #Mizzou‘s headline 2026 recruit is gaming out in Arizona. pic.twitter.com/yINA18LlD3

— Nathalie Jones (@NathalieABC17) April 1, 2026

Paul Pierce, a NBA Hall of Famer and 1995 McDonald’s All-American from Inglewood (Calif.) who scored 28 points in the game played in St. Louis 36 years ago, was in attendance to support J2 and other McDonald’s All-Americans, especially those on the West team. Pierce and Crowe Sr., one class older, were teammates for the Sentinels.

“It was amazing for The Truth (Pierce) to drive out to Arizona with his family to support J2,” Jason Crowe Sr. told Ballislife. “He got behind me and established the Truth AAU program that shaped the vision and he has been in my son’s corner every step of the way.”

Next year on the 50th anniversary of the game, expect a large contingent of alumni to be in attendance, as the McDonald’s committee and game executives look to invite all former selections back for the festivities. Jalen Rose, a 1991 McDonald’s All-American who was in attendance at the game, and 2006 McDonald’s All-American, former WNBA player and current WNBA executive Monica Wright Rodgers will spearhead the alumni recruitment for next year’s event.

In the competitive girls game, the East club pulled away in the second half to record a 91-71 victory over the West Club club. Saniyah Hall, a 6-foot-1 forward headed to USC from Spire Academy (Geneva, Ohio) led the way for the winning East club with 21 points and five rebounds.

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of Ballislife.com. He can be reached at ronnie@ballislife.com. Don’t forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores