P.J. Washington's All-American Status Seals Lifelong Dream

By Jaki Goldner

Findlay Prep has accomplished a lot in its short decade of existence. Since opening in the 2007-08 season, the Henderson, Nevada, high school basketball program has housed, educated, and prepared some of the country's most elite hoops prospects, totaling as many NBA players and McDonald’s All-Americans as the number of years its doors have been open: 10 each. 

This past week, Findlay Prep added another star, bringing its total of McDonald’s All-Americans to 11, when Flo40 forward and future Kentucky Wildcat P.J. Washington was named to the Pilots' roster.

“Dream come true," Washington said. "I’m excited about it. I’ve been looking to do this my whole life."

What’s special about this year's group of All-Americans is that they have been through it all together. When he takes the floor for the annual McDonald’s All-American Game at the United Center in Chicago on March 29, Washington will be reunited with his fellow USA Basketball U18 teammates Mo Bamba and Quade Green on the East squad. The trio helped lead the U.S. to a gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championship in Chile this summer. 

Opposing Washington on the West squad are his former teammates and EYBL rivals Michael Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., and Trae Young. 

“It’s going to be great to be on the floor with all of my friends, just playing our hearts out,” Washington added.

Check out Washington in action at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest back in November: