To help keep you informed on the events surrounding the 2010 McDonald’s All American High School Basketball Games, we’re featuring a series of posts from guest blogger Sabrina Terry. Sabrina, an OSU student and McDonald’s crew member, has been granted behind the scenes access to each of the major events of McDonald’s All American Week.

POWERADE Jam Fest – March 29, 2010

Tonight was the POWERADE Jam Fest and I had the most amazing seats in the house! I sat right on the court at a media table, the absolute closest I could be to the action. Everyone is excited to see the players and they all put on a great show. We watched as they battled it out over the three-point shoot out. Maggie Lucas for the girl’s team dominated the entire competition with 22 points!

Next the players went through a timed obstacle course of weaving and shooting where the fastest player won. The best boy’s player completed the entire course perfectly in 25 seconds. They even had a crowd member win a chance to try and complete the course in under a minute to win a plasma TV and he did it!

To give the players a little break Cupid came out to do his famous song, “The Cupid Shuffle,” and it was a lot of fun to watch the players get out with him and dance to the music.

Finally the main event came: the dunk contest. It was pretty outrageous to see how talented and creative these players were, just like the pros! I saw everything from coming from behind the hoop around to drunk, to catching the ball from the side of the backboard and dunking. I could tell these players had definitely put some thought into this and had a really good time with each other. Ray McCallum really stood out with his performance and had one of the top scores of the night. The entire night was a ton of fun and really was a great intro to the main event on Wednesday at the All-American games.

Up next, I’ll have an opportunity to interview some of the players, so stay tuned.

This Sunday, November 15th from noon until 6:00 p.m., why not head down to the Nationwide arena where you can rub elbows with some of your favorite Blue Jackets players and personalities in a fun, casual setting. There will be no checking on Sunday and you’ll be helping the Blue Jackets Foundation!

The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that works in partnership with the National Hockey League club.

The Foundation is dedicated to using its unique resources to raise public awareness and financial support for essential and timely initiatives that represent our four recognized pillars of giving – pediatric cancer, children’s health & safety, education and the development of youth hockey.

Some highlights of this year’s festival include:

• Interactive game stations with Blue Jackets players in the Best Buy Zone
• Player photo opportunities in the penalty boxes and with Steve Mason and the Calder Trophy
• Autograph stations with multiple players
• Locker room tours presented by FOX Sports Ohio
• 2K Sports NHL 2K9 video game tournament where winner plays Rick Nash
• Live and silent auctions featuring Blue Jackets items and experiences, array of other sports memorabilia