Mincy discusses McDonald's All-American nod
When Laurin Mincy tore her ACL and meniscus last September, a couple realizations immediately came to her mind.
First, the Maryland-bound shooting guard would likely miss her entire senior season at University High in Newark, N.J. Second, Mincy thought the possibility of appearing in any notable postseason all-star games was extremely unlikely.
So imagine Mincy’s surprise when, earlier this month, a nondescript FedEx package containing an invitation to play in the McDonald’s All-American Game arrived at her home.
“I just had this big smile on my face and my Dad looked like he wanted to cry,” she said.
An otherwise disappointing senior year had suddenly -- and surprisingly -- gotten much better for the 5-foot-11 Mincy, who is ranked the No. 9 player in the country by AllStarGirlsReport.net.
“I was really shocked because I hadn’t played all year,” Mincy said. “I was assuming my chances of making the McDonald’s team were not even an option. When I got the package, I was just really amazed. [I thought about] all the greats before me that also played, so it’s a great thing.”
The McDonald’s All-American Game -- scheduled for March 31 in Columbus, Ohio -- selects the top 24 boys and 24 girls in the country. Mincy follows in the footsteps of Maryland sophomore center Lynetta Kizer and freshman point guard Dara Taylor as McDonald’s All-Americans. She will be joined in Columbus by Terps center recruit Alicia DeVaughn.
“It gives me a heads-up on how our team is going to be successful next year,” Mincy said of DeVaughn’s selection. “We have a couple [McDonald’s All-Americans] and everyone is also ranked in the Top 100 of the class. Then we have people there already contributing. I think we should have a good team coming in next year.”
Mincy has resumed practicing with her high school team but is still “probably about a month-and-a-half from playing.” She is going through regular drills but tries to avoid major contact. While she’s hesitant now, Mincy can’t help but notice the progress she has made.
“At first, coming down the steps was hard just to step down on my left leg. I always had to hold the rail,” Mincy said. “Now I just come down the stairs normally. I can run down the stairs and I can bend my leg all the way back. The range is the biggest problem with the ACL. But I’m really seeing huge improvements with that.”
The first major test for Mincy’s knee will be at the McDonald’s All-American Game, which will be televised on ESPNU. The stakes will be high, but Mincy wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It’s going to be a big stage,” she said. “That’s all I’m getting ready for.”
