McDonald's All American Game 2012: Video Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Grades

The West proved to be the best at the 2012 McDonald's All-American Game, outlasting the East squad 106-102.

Shabazz Muhammad, the national prep player of the year, led all scorers in the star-studded affair with 21 points while causing coaches and scouts everywhere to drool uncontrollably all over themselves.

The East made a game of it in the end, but only after allowing the West to sprint out to a sizable lead in the second half.

Tweets of the Night

Ryan Jones of SLAM Magazine took a moment to remind rabid college hoops fans that "luring" uncommitted players to come to their favorite schools might not be the best idea: 

"

And if you're a fan of UCLA, Kentucky, Duke, UNLV or Kansas, you should tweet at Shabazz about how great your school is. That totally works.

— Ryan Jones (@thefarmerjones) March 28, 2012"

Who knew Kentucky coach John Calipari had hired Ton and Allen to do his dirty work on the recruiting trail?

"

The McDonald's All-American Game is on. Or as it's referred to at the University of Kentucky, 'Auction Hunters'.

— The Bill Walton Trip (@NotBillWalton) March 29, 2012"

Looks like Eric Nusbaum of The Classical won't be watching high school hoops any time soon:

"

I am boycotting the McDonald's All American Game until Brandon Jennings' flat top returns to the court.

— Eric Nusbaum (@ericnus) March 29, 2012"

Must-See Highlight

Here, for your viewing pleasure, is one of Shabazz's many scintillating slams, ooping an alley from North Carolina-commit Marcus Paige on a fast break in the first half.

Grades for East Key Players

Kyle Anderson: A

The Mickey D's Game didn't yield quite the showcase that Kyle Anderson had probably hoped for, though the New Jersey prep star was solid nonetheless.

The lanky point forward, known as "Slow-Mo," stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and four steals, though his sub-par athleticism came into play on a pair of missed dunks.

That being said, don't expect UCLA coach Ben Howland to turn Anderson away for a few mistakes made in a meaningless exhibition. 

Alex Poythress: B+

John Calipari must be thanking his lucky stars that Alex Poythress has already committed to play at Kentucky.

The 6'8 stud's inside-out game was on full display in Chicago, as he threw down dunks and hit outside jumpers on the way to a 19-point night, despite fouling out with less than a minute left to play.

Poythress should fit in just fine with the long line of blue chippers to trot through Lexington since Calipari came to town.

Grades for West Key Players

Shabazz Muhammad: A+

Shabazz Muhammad was a stud from start to finish on Wednesday.

The Las Vegas native lived up to his billing as the top wing prospect in the high school class of 2012, showing off hustle, athleticism and skill in equal parts on the way to a 21-point, six-rebound performance.

Whoever winds up with Muhammad—be it Coach Cal at UK, Howland at UCLA or Mike Krzyzewski at Duke—will be mighty happy to have him for however long he decides to stay on campus.

Rasheed Sulaimon: A

The closest challenge Muhammad had for MVP honors came from Rasheed Sulaimon.

The smooth-shooting Duke commit finished with 18 points—11 of which came in the second half.

His arrival in Durham in the fall should help to soften the blow of losing Austin Rivers to the 2012 NBA Draft.

Deciding Factor: Star Power

It was all Shabazz Muhammad all the time at the United Center. Whichever team had Muhammad on its side was all but destined to come away with a memorable victory.

Luckily for the West, Muhammad plays his prep ball in Sin City, thereby granting the kids in fatigues a clear path to victory.

Game MVP: Shabazz Muhammad

Not to beat a dead horse or anything, but Shabazz played a crucial role in pushing the camo-colored West squad out to a big lead in the second half—a role that proved to be the difference after the East made a run to close the gap down the stretch.

Oh, and he was named the official MVP of the game...so there's that.

What's Next?

Those participants who didn't fax in their National Letters of Intent back in November will spend the coming days crisscrossing the country and welcoming coaches into their homes before sending in their signatures on National Signing Day on April 11th.

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