CARMEL VALLEY — Cathedral Catholic High School senior Bianca Slone has been nominated for the McDonald’s All-American Game, one of the highest honors in high school basketball.
“Being nominated for the McDonald’s All-American is a huge honor,” Slone, a transfer student from Rocklin High School in Northern California, told The Coast News. “It means a lot to me. There are a lot of deserving players, so to be considered is very special and a reminder that all the hard work has paid off.”
In previous years, the McDonald’s All-American Game has included top players such as Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart, and Paige Bueckers.
Slone, a versatile six-foot-two forward and multi-sport athlete (volleyball), has made an immediate impact with the Dons after joining Cathedral Catholic this season.
“This season has been great with Cathedral,” she said. “I just got into season right after my volleyball season ended, and the girls and coaches were very welcoming. I’m really grateful to be able to play both basketball and volleyball at Cathedral Catholic, and I’m looking forward to finishing the season strong.”
Dons head coach Jackie Turpin said Slone’s presence has elevated the team on both ends of the court.
“We didn’t have a true post player going into the season, so just adding her automatically elevated that side,” Turpin said. “Her style of play fit seamlessly with what we do. She’s unselfish, likes to move the ball, has good touch and hands inside, and can shoot from the outside. It stretches the defense and allows one of our other kids to play inside, giving us more versatility offensively.”
Turpin also highlighted Slone’s defensive impact and chemistry with returning standout McKinley Hanlon, a 6-foot junior wing, and freshman guard Addison Yang.
“It took a little time, but we’re hitting a stride at the right moment,” Turpin said. “She’s a big body that defends the post well, moves smoothly, and has made our pick-and-roll action more dangerous. And she’s just a truly awesome kid — great in the locker room and with the team.”
The potent scoring trio of Slone, Hanlon, and Yang has propelled Cathedral Catholic to the top of the league. The Dons are 20-5 overall and 6-0 in Western League play. Slone is averaging 14.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. Hanlon adds 18 points, and Yang contributes over 11 points.
Turpin emphasized that Slone’s All-American nod is the result of years of hard work.
“I’m proud of her and the effort she’s put in over her entire career,” Turpin said. “This nomination isn’t just about what she’s done here; it’s about the work that started long before she arrived. We’ve just been fortunate to watch her thrive.”
An independent committee of analysts, scouts, media and coaches selected the final rosters from more than 700 nominations nationwide. The 49th annual McDonald’s All-American Games are set for Tuesday, March 31, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, with the girls game tipping off before the boys, and both contests will be broadcast on ESPN platforms.
San Diego’s Safiyah Sugapong of La Jolla Country Day School joins Slone on the girls’ roster, while Josiah McDowell of Lincoln High School and Jayden Gray of Victory Christian Academy are on the boys’ side.
Cathedral Catholic’s regular season wraps up Feb. 12 with a home game against Morse. The Open Division and Division I championships are set for Feb. 28 at Oceanside’s Frontwave Arena.