Higbee basketball star Derek Rockett received word last week that he has been nominated for the prestigious McDonald’s All-American team. He is one of 12 Missouri senior basketball players to receive the nomination for the 12-state Midwest region.

The McDonald’s All American Games Selection Committee announced the 724 girls and boys basketball players nominated for the chance to play in the Games this April. This class of nominees is vying for a spot among high school basketball’s elite company, joining names such as Candace Parker, Trae Young, Caitlin Clark, Jayson Tatum, Angel Reese, Kevin Durant, and Breanna Stewart.

The top 48 players (24 girls and 24 boys) will be chosen to play in the McDonald’s All-American Games on Apr. 2 at Toyota Center in Houston.

“What a prestigious honor for this young man!” said Higbee coach Tanner Burton.

Rockett has had an exceptional career. A four-year starter, he reached 2,000 career points in December, just 35 games after surpassing the 1,000-point milestone. 

As of Monday, Rockett sits at 2,160 points, 23rd on the Missouri High School Activities Association’s (MSHSAA) all-time scoring list. But points are just one statistical category in which he excels. He also has 613 rebounds, 323 steals, 391 assists, and has made 229 3-pointers in three and a half seasons.

“Stats are stats, but they don’t show how great of a leader he is,” Burton said. “When you have a kid playing through high ankle sprains and a broken nose, you truly respect the pure determination he has to make those around him successful. That energy is contagious, and I hope he is enjoying every second he has left in a Higbee uniform.”

Rockett has also been a huge role model in a town with fewer than 500 residents and a school district just north of 200 students. Higbee is by far the smallest town among Missouri players nominated for the McDonald’s All-American team—other players from Missouri hail from schools in St. Louis and Branson.

Burton, who will become Higbee’s superintendent next year, said Rockett has sent shockwaves through the youth players, showing them anything is possible if you put in the work. “I have a feeling in the years ahead, when success is still happening at Higbee, it will be because a bunch of kids was watching a player that made the game fun, and it captivated an entire community.”

Other small-town Missouri nominees include Korrie Puryear and Korrie Holcer from Meadville. 

“Being a McDonalds All-American Nominee goes to show how accomplished he is,” Burton continued. “It is arguably the highest honor other than being selected to play in the game. A small-town Missouri kid from Higbee, being 1 of 724 boys and girls being recognized, is something we can all be proud of.”

This year’s nominees span far and wide, with 43 states plus the District of Columbia represented among the class. Texas led the group with 69 nominees, followed by California at 66 and Florida at 64. Players were nominated by a high school coach, athletic director, principal, or member of the McDonald’s All-American Games Selection Committee.

The committee – comprised of some of the nation’s most knowledgeable high school analysts, prep scouts, media, and basketball coaches – will soon narrow the list of nominees to the final 48 players named to the Games’ final rosters. The top 24 girls and 24 boys will be revealed Tuesday, Jan. 23, on NBA Today between 3-4 p.m. ET on ESPN and announced across ESPN’s various social and digital platforms.

Tickets to the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Games and the Jam Fest will be available beginning Tuesday, Jan. 23, at mcdaag.com. Those unable to attend in person may tune in to the Jam Fest on Monday, Apr. 1, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The 2024 McDonald’s All-American girls’ game will air on Tuesday, Apr. 2 at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2, and the boys’ game will immediately follow on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET.

The McDonald’s All-American Games have benefitted Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) and its network of local Chapters since their inception. RMHC helps bring communities together to support children and families throughout their healthcare journey by providing comfort, care, and vital resources, when it’s needed most.