Phoenix, Arizona, February 4, 2026
Oliviyah Edwards, a standout from Tacoma, Washington, has earned a spot on the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Team. Her achievements highlight the dedication and hard work required to excel in high school girls’ basketball. Local fans will have the opportunity to witness the McDonald’s All-American Game in Phoenix, which underscores the competitive spirit within Arizona’s prep sports scene. The event represents a significant milestone in Edwards’ career, who is celebrated for her impressive statistics and dynamic playing style.
Tacoma, Washington’s own Oliviyah Edwards, a phenom in the world of high school girls’ basketball, has achieved one of the sport’s most prestigious honors: selection to the McDonald’s All-American Team. This nationwide recognition celebrates the pinnacle of prep talent, and in a special turn for local sports enthusiasts, the McDonald’s All-American Game itself is set to be hosted right here in the Phoenix, Arizona area on March 31, at Desert Diamond Arena.
For young athletes across the Phoenix AZ high school basketball scene, Edwards’ journey serves as a powerful testament to the rewards of dedication, rigorous training, and unwavering commitment. It highlights how personal discipline and hard work can elevate a player to the national stage, inspiring countless others to pursue excellence in Arizona prep sports and beyond. The opportunity to witness such elite talent competing in our own backyard underscores the vibrant and competitive spirit that defines high school athletics.
The selection to the McDonald’s All-American Team is more than just an individual accolade; it symbolizes years of sacrifice, teamwork, and character development. It is a moment for communities to celebrate their rising stars and for aspiring athletes to see a tangible example of what can be achieved through unwavering effort. Edwards’ story resonates deeply, reminding us all of the profound impact high school sports have in shaping young lives and fostering a sense of collective pride.
A National Talent Heads to Phoenix
Oliviyah Edwards, a 6-foot-3 or 6-foot-4 forward/center from Tacoma, Washington, has consistently demonstrated a high level of performance throughout her high school career. She is recognized as a five-star recruit, with rankings placing her among the top five prospects in the Class of 2026 nationally. Edwards committed to the Tennessee Volunteers on September 13, 2025, and will be making her college debut in the 2026-27 season.
Her high school career has seen her play for Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington, during her freshman and senior years, with her sophomore and junior seasons spent at Elite Sports Academy in Issaquah, Washington. Edwards’ selection to the McDonald’s All-American Team marks a significant milestone, solidifying her status as one of the nation’s premier high school girls basketball players.
Edwards’ Dominance on the Court
Edwards is celebrated for her dynamic playing style, which combines elite defense with strong scoring capabilities in the paint. She possesses the ability to effectively seal defenders and create opportunities for her teammates, demonstrating versatility that allows her to run the floor with the agility typically associated with a guard. Notably, Edwards is known for her impressive in-game dunks, a skill she has showcased since the age of 13. Her game has evolved to include developed outside shooting, enhancing her overall offensive threat.
Her statistical achievements underscore her impact. On the Adidas 3SSB circuit, Edwards averaged nearly 18 points and eight rebounds per game, maintaining an impressive 63% shooting percentage from the field. During the first half of her senior season, she nearly achieved a triple-double on average, recording 32 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists per game. These numbers reflect a player with exceptional athleticism, a high basketball IQ, and a competitive drive that sets her apart.
The Road to All-American Recognition
The McDonald’s All-American Game is a nationwide event that carefully selects the nation’s top 24 boys and 24 girls high school basketball players. The rigorous selection process involves an independent committee composed of analysts, prep scouts, media members, and coaches who review over 700 nominations from across the country. This thorough evaluation ensures that only the most deserving athletes, who embody the spirit of the game through their skill, character, and leadership, are chosen for this honor.
Edwards’ path to this esteemed team included consistent participation in national development programs. She attended USA Basketball Women’s Junior National Team minicamps in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and was also named a finalist for the 2023 USA Women’s U16 National Team. These experiences helped hone her skills and provided her with exposure to top-tier competition, preparing her for the national spotlight.
Community Impact and Inspiration
While Oliviyah Edwards hails from Tacoma, Washington, the McDonald’s All-American Game coming to the Phoenix basketball scene provides a unique opportunity for local fans and young athletes. The presence of such high-caliber players in the Valley of the Sun can invigorate local interest in high school sports and reinforce the value of athletic programs in fostering youth development. It creates a tangible connection between local aspirations and national achievements.
The spirit of competition, teamwork, and personal responsibility exemplified by athletes like Edwards is a universal language in sports. This event can highlight the potential for sponsorships and community engagement around Arizona prep sports, demonstrating how local businesses and fans can rally behind their teams and athletes. Strong community turnout for events like the McDonald’s All-American Game not only boosts morale but also showcases the powerful collective identity that sports can build within a city.
Looking Ahead for Phoenix Sports
The selection of Oliviyah Edwards to the McDonald’s All-American Team and the hosting of the game in Phoenix represent a convergence of national excellence and local enthusiasm. It is a moment to appreciate the dedication of athletes and the supportive communities that uplift them. These national platforms provide invaluable exposure, not just for the players, but for the cities that host these marquee events, shining a light on their sports infrastructure and passionate fan bases.
We encourage all our readers to embrace the excitement of high school girls basketball and Phoenix AZ high school football, and all the incredible athletic talent throughout Arizona. Support your local high school teams, attend games, and engage with the programs that are building future leaders and champions. Stay tuned to HEREPhoenix.com for more stories celebrating the hard work, sportsmanship, and personal growth defining Arizona’s vibrant sports landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oliviyah Edwards and the McDonald’s All-American Game
Q: Who is Oliviyah Edwards?
A: Oliviyah Edwards is a 6-foot-3 or 6-foot-4 forward/center from Tacoma, Washington, and a highly-ranked five-star recruit in the Class of 2026.
Q: What is the McDonald’s All-American Team?
A: The McDonald’s All-American Team is a nationwide selection of the top 24 boys and 24 girls high school basketball players in the United States, recognized for their exceptional talent and achievement.
Q: Where is the McDonald’s All-American Game being held?
A: The McDonald’s All-American Game will take place on March 31 in Phoenix, Arizona, at Desert Diamond Arena.
Q: What are some of Oliviyah Edwards’ key achievements?
A: Oliviyah Edwards has been named to the McDonald’s All-American Team. She has also attended USA Basketball Women’s Junior National Team minicamps and was a finalist for the 2023 USA Women’s U16 National Team.
Q: Which college has Oliviyah Edwards committed to?
A: Oliviyah Edwards committed to the Tennessee Volunteers on September 13, 2025.
Key Features of Oliviyah Edwards’ McDonald’s All-American Selection
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Athlete Name | Oliviyah Edwards | Individual |
| Hometown | Tacoma, Washington | State-level |
| High School | Lincoln High School (Tacoma, Washington), Elite Sports Academy (Issaquah, Washington) | State-level |
| Class Year | 2026 | Nationwide |
| Accolade | McDonald’s All-American Team Selection | Nationwide |
| College Commitment | Tennessee Volunteers | Nationwide |
| Game Location | Phoenix, Arizona (Desert Diamond Arena) | State-level (for Arizona) |
| Date of Game | March 31 | Nationwide |
| Player Ranking | Five-star recruit, ranked among top 5 nationally in Class of 2026 | Nationwide |
| Key Skill | In-game dunks, elite defense, versatile scoring | Individual |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
