Breaking Down the 2025 McDonald’s All American Girls’ Game
March 31, 2025, 03:30 PM ET – The 2025 McDonald’s All American girls’ game is a unique opportunity for the best players in the senior class to come together and play. The level of talent on the floor is unmatched, and one of the final chances for us to evaluate these players before our final ESPN player rankings release.
All 24 players in the 2025 lineup are in the top 32 of the current ESPNW 100 rankings — at least until the final edition releases later in the month. In terms of college representation, Stanford and Tennessee lead the way with three signees each, while LSU has two.
In all, 18 total college programs will be represented on the floor. Ten participants are headed to the SEC. Seven are headed to the ACC. Four are headed to the Big 10. Three are headed to the Big 12.
With the game approaching on Tuesday, April 1 (6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2), let’s take a look at everything you need to know.
East Roster
Let’s dive into the East roster, which is packed with talent and potential. Leading the charge is Nyla Brooks, a 6-1 wing from Bishop Ireton in Virginia. Brooks, ranked 20th by ESPNW, is known for her slashing ability and pull-up jumper. Her consistent 3-point threat and defensive prowess make her a valuable asset for North Carolina.
Next up is Kaelyn Carroll, a 6-2 forward from Tabor Academy in Massachusetts. Ranked 15th, Carroll’s versatility and advanced handle make her a tough matchup. She’ll be a key player for Kentucky, providing floor spacing and creating mismatches.
Jaida Civil, a 6-foot guard from Palm Bay HS in Florida, is a one-player fast break. Ranked 32nd, her speed and defensive intensity will fit perfectly into Tennessee’s system, enhancing their pressing scheme.
Another standout is Aaliyah Crump, a 6-1 guard from Montverde Academy in Florida. Ranked 5th, Crump’s strong frame and all-around skill make her a versatile player for Texas. Her ability to catch fire from deep and defend at an elite level will be crucial.
Jaliya Davis, a 6-2 forward from Blue Valley North in Kansas, is ranked 17th. Her old-school forward play and exceptional rebounding ability will bring a blue-collar approach to Kansas.
ZaKiyah Johnson, a 6-foot guard from Sacred Heart Academy in Kentucky, is ranked 13th. Her elite defense and rebounding skills will make her a rugged competitor for LSU.
Leah Macy, a 6-2 forward from Bethlehem HS in Kentucky, is ranked 19th. Despite missing the game due to injury, her fundamental skills and versatility will be a great addition to Notre Dame.
Agot Makeer, a 6-1 wing from Montverde Academy in Florida, is ranked 4th. Her ability to play lead guard and score assertively will be valuable for South Carolina.
Mia Pauldo, a 5-5 point guard from Morris Catholic in New Jersey, is ranked 11th. Her playmaking ability and defensive intelligence will fit well with Tennessee’s style.
Deniya Prawl, a 6-1 wing from IMG Academy in Florida, is ranked 14th. Her upside and ability to create space for midrange jumpers will be intriguing for Tennessee.
Lara Somfai, a 6-4 forward from IMG Academy in Florida, is ranked 16th. Her international experience and stretch forward skills will be a great asset for Stanford.
Hailee Swain, a 5-10 point guard from Holy Innocents’ in Georgia, is ranked 9th. Her dynamic play and USA Basketball experience will bring a new element to Stanford’s perimeter.
West Roster
On the West side, we have Darianna Alexander, a 6-foot-1 guard from Purcell Marian HS in Ohio, ranked 8th. Her physicality and ability to play multiple positions will add a competitive punch to Cincinnati.
Sienna Betts, a 6-4 center from Grandview HS in Colorado, is ranked 2nd. Her skills and feel for the game make her a triple-double threat, adding depth to UCLA’s front line.
Aaliyah Chavez, a 5-11 point guard from Lubbock Monterey HS in Texas, is ranked 1st. Her scoring ability and work ethic will fit perfectly into Oklahoma’s high-paced system.
Jasmine Davidson, a 6-1 guard from Clackamas HS in Oregon, is ranked 3rd. Her complete perimeter skills and elite defense will be a great addition to USC.
Addison Deal, a 6-foot guard from Mater Dei HS in California, is ranked 18th. Her fundamental skills and shooting confidence will be valuable for Iowa.
Alexandra Eschmeyer, a 6-5 forward from Peak to Peak Charter in Colorado, is ranked 31st. Her versatile post game will be a great fit for Stanford.
Grace Knox, a 6-2 forward from Etiwanda HS in California, is ranked 6th. Her energy and versatility will make her an elite forward for LSU.
Ayla McDowell, a 6-2 forward from Cypress Springs HS in Texas, is ranked 22nd. Her “3 and D” skills will stretch the floor for South Carolina.
Brynn McGaughy, a 6-2 forward from Central Valley HS in Washington, is ranked 21st. Her elite ballhandling and defensive prowess will be key for Washington.
Aliyahna Morris, a 5-5 point guard from Etiwanda HS in California, is ranked 24th. Her consistent play and leadership will continue Cal’s turnaround.
Emilee Skinner, a 6-foot point guard from Ridgeline HS in Utah, is ranked 7th. Her smooth play and defensive anticipation will be a great fit for Duke.
Jordan Speiser, a 6-1 guard from Lutheran HS in Missouri, is ranked 10th. Her shooting ability and strong frame will be valuable for Kansas State.
The Matchup at a Glance
Two things jump out at first glance of the rosters: the size advantage of the West, and the fact that it has the top three players in the 2025 class in Aaliyah Chavez, Sienna Betts and Jasmine Davidson. That said, don’t count out the East — that group has the firepower and speed to make this game fast and intense; it’ll just have to work as a unit well to do so. When the math is done, overall, the West has a little less than half an inch average advantage over the East roster. But collectively, the East guards and wings are a big and interchangeable bunch that evens things some.
What to Expect
Strategy wise, the West should definitely establish itself inside-out with an emphasis on getting paint touches and passing up good shots for great shots. Overall, it’s the better shooting team. Betts will inevitably command double teams and is a fantastic distributor in that situation. With its size and balance, the West should be strong defensively. If it falls into the trap of the “All-Star game iso ball,” it will squander a clear advantage.
The East meanwhile should play fast and shoot quickly. Open space and a quick attack offense would give it a slightly better chance on the boards — with easier offensive putbacks or kick-outs to spot-up threes. This group is very interchangeable in both size and skill competency, with many players able to take the lead position and be playmakers but also otherwise attack aggressively scoring-wise. This should give the East a speed and pace of play advantage.
McDonald’s All American games tend to be dominated by guards, as they obviously handle the ball most of the time. Look for the matchup of the Skinner, Chavez and Davidson (West) group versus the Swain, Pauldo and Crump (East) group to get heated and entertaining. And what about potential surprises?
For the East: Kaelyn Carroll, Jaida Civil and Lara Somfai.
For the West: Brynn McGaughy, Alex Eschmeyer and Emilee Skinner.
The ultimate questions: How does the East’s inside crew of Somfai and Jaliya Davis handle Betts and Eschmeyer with the size difference? How will the West execute its transition defense?
If the East’s interior players can hold their own, they have done their job. If the West does not sprint back defensively and protect the paint, there could be trouble. Ball movement and shot selection will be key, above all. In a game like this, always look at the assist/field goal ratio and rebounding edge to be contributing factors.
Originally Written by: Shane Laflin
