East Takes Over Late: 2026 Girls McDonald’s All American Game Recap

Story and Photo by Cedric Cobb

GLENDALE, Ariz. — From my viewpoint, this one told you everything you needed to know about the top of the 2026 class: elite talent, competitive fire for three quarters, and then separation when the real stars decided it was time.

The East walked away with a 91-71 win, but don’t let that final score fool you — this game was tight, physical, and back-and-forth well into the second half.

Early on, the West set the tone. They were the more connected group out the gate, sharing it, defending, and getting contributions across the board. Notre Dame commit Jacy Abii gave them a spark, knocking down a buzzer-beating three to close the first quarter and put the West up 20-15.

From there, you saw balance. Bri Crittendon and Lizzy Spaight brought toughness and scoring punch, while Oliviyah "Big Oh" Edwards controlled the glass and protected the paint. At one point, the West built a 37-28 lead and looked like the more cohesive unit.

But when you’ve got the best player on the floor, you’re never out of it.

That’s where Saniyah Hall stepped in.

The USC commit — and consensus No. 1 prospect — kept the East within striking distance all game. She finished with 21 points and five rebounds, but it wasn’t just the numbers. It was how she controlled tempo, picked her spots, and responded every time the West made a push.

By halftime, the East had trimmed it to 40-39 after an 11-3 run. Momentum was starting to shift.

Still, heading into the fourth quarter, this was anybody’s game. East held a slim 59-56 edge, and for three quarters, the West had proven they weren't going down without a fight.

Then the separation hit — and it hit fast.

For everything the West threw at them, the East answered.

Kate Harpring — playing through a shoulder issue — imposed her will, getting downhill. Jordyn Jackson stayed aggressive and efficient, finishing with 12 points. And Lola Lampley made winning plays around the rim when it mattered.

The East opened the fourth with a decisive run, stretched the lead to double digits, and never looked back. They outscored the West significantly in the final period, fueled by defense, transition, and depth.

From a pure evaluation standpoint, the difference was simple:

• The West had strong individual flashes and balance

• The East had star power and closing ability

Hall was the headliner — and rightfully so — earning MVP honors and looking every bit like a future program-changer at the next level. But what stood out most was the East’s collective ability to shift gears late and separate against elite competition.

Bottom line: for three quarters, it was a fight. In the fourth, it was a reminder — the top of this 2026 class is different. While Hall led the way for the winning squad with 21 points, Kate Harpring (UNC) added 14, Jordyn Jackson (Maryland) 12 and 5 rebounds, and Lola Lampley (LSU) 10 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals. The West was led by Lizzy Spaight (Texas) with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, Bri Crittendon (Texas) with 11 points, Trinity Jones (Clemson) with 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, Jacy Abii (Notre Dame) with 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 blocks, and Oliviah Edwards (Tennessee) with 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks.