Tuesday, March 2, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.
The three high school basketball players from Las Vegas area schools who were selected for the McDonald's All-American team were honored Monday during a ceremony at a Green Valley McDonald's. They are, from left, Aaryn Ellenberg of Bishop Gorman High, and Findlay Prep's Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph. Also pictured is Charvez Foger, a representative from Sen. Harry Reid's office.
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Bishop Gorman High basketball player Aaryn Ellenberg sat in a booth at a Green Valley McDonald's on Monday and half-jokingly told reporters she was a more accurate outside shooter than Findlay Prep's Cory Joseph.
Joseph, one of the top boys players in the nation, who was seated a few feet away, couldn't believe his ears and playfully smiled at the claim.
Then again, Joseph wasn't in Reno this past weekend when Ellenberg went 10 of 15 on 3-pointers during the two-game state tournament, leading Gorman to its fourth state championship in five years.
These players were at McDonald's for a ceremony to honor the three high school basketball players from the Las Vegas area who were selected to the exclusive 48-member McDonald's All-American team two weeks ago.
The three, Ellenberg, Joseph and Findlay's Tristan Thompson, received awards to document the achievement, including proclamations from Nevada's two senators, Harry Reid and John Ensign. They also met with Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen.
More than 2,100 athletes nationwide were nominated for the 24 spots on each of the boys and girls teams.
Making the team is the most prestigious honor for a high school player — a fact not lost on the local contingent.
"It's a honor and blessing to be selected," said Joseph, Findlay's dynamic point guard who averages 17.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.
"Ever since I was little, I have wanted to be part of the McDonald's game. I would always watch the game and want to be out there with those great players."
He'll get his chance March 31 in Columbus, Ohio.
Thompson, a 6-foot-10 forward, hasn't played since injuring ligaments in his ankle three weeks ago. He said he would be healed in time for the McDonald's game, and the eight-team ESPN National High School Invitational April 1-3 in Washington.
Thompson, a Texas-signee who averages 16.1 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, will match up against Jared Sullinger of Columbus' Northland High in the McDonald's game.
Sullinger got the best of Thompson and Findlay in December, scoring 32 points to help Northland break Findlay's 45-game winning streak. Thompson was bothered with foul trouble most of the night and only scored 18 points before fouling out.
However, don't expect a heated rematch. The two are friends from playing against each other on the summer AAU circuit.
"It will be fun to get to go against him again," Thompson said.
Ellenberg averaged 24 points per game this winter and finished her career with more than 2,000 points. She signed with Oklahoma.
"This is a great experience," she said. "It's something I worked real hard for. I'm excited for this."
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