SHS basketball superstar Kevarrius Hayes received recognition Friday night for being nominated to play in the McDonald’s All American Games and being selected to play on Team Florida. Pictured from left: SHS dean Malcolm Hines, assistant coach Jimmie Taylor, head coach Jeremy Ulmer, Hayes and assistant coach Eddie Ford. 

Suwannee High School basketball player Kevarrius Hayes was nominated to play in the 2015 McDonald’s All American Games, McDonald’s announced.

The 6’10” Hayes was one of 823 high school seniors that were nominated. This year’s list includes players from 47 states and the District of Columbia who have been selected by high school coaches, athletic directors, principals and members of the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Committee.

A complete list of 2015 McDonald’s All American Games Nominees is available at www.mcdaag.com. McDonald’s will name the final roster of 24 boys and 24 girls who will be selected to play in the 2015 Games during the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Show on ESPNU, airing Jan. 28 at 6 p.m.

“We are very pleased with the nomination of a local player for this year’s McDonald’s All American Games,” said Jill Ferrier, operations manager of McDonald’s restaurants in the Tallahassee area. “Nominees for the Games display hard work, skill and teamwork on the court and in the classroom. As the longstanding top showcase of national basketball talent, it’s an honor to have a player from Live Oak as a nominee for the 2015 Games.”

The 38th Annual Boys Game will tip-off on Wednesday, Apr. 1 at 9 p.m. EST from Chicago’s United Center and will be broadcast on ESPN. The 14th Annual Girls Game will precede the Boys Game, beginning at 6:30 p.m. EST and will broadcast live on ESPNU. Information regarding tickets for the 2015 McDonald’s All American Games is available at Ticketmaster. Tickets for the 2015 Games go on sale Saturday, Jan. 17 at 11 am EST. Tickets start as low as $10 and include free parking. There is also the popular family four-pack option, which includes four tickets, four soft drinks and four hot dogs – all for $53.

Net proceeds from the Games benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). The Games have raised over $11 million for RMHC since their inception in 1978. At RMHC, programs like the Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room provide stability and vital resources to families so they can get and keep their child healthy and happy.

Team Florida 

Hayes was also named to Team Florida, a state all-star team. Hayes was recognized as one of the top high school players in the nation and was invited to participate on Team Florida during the 2015 Florida vs. USA Hardwood Classic.

According to a letter sent to Hayes, the event is part of the 17th Annual Senior Showcase All-Star Weekend held April 9-12, 2015, in Orlando. The Florida vs. USA Hardwood Classic will be played at the brand new Amway Center, home of the Orlando Magic.

Hayes has made a name for himself in the state of Florida who is also a University of Florida scholarship recipient.

“Kevarrius is a perfect example of what it means to be not just a great athlete, but a great student and person,” said SHS head basketball coach Jeremy Ulmer.