Ridgeway Roadrunner senior center Elizabeth Dixon achieved the honor of being the first Memphis girls’ basketball player to be named to the McDonald’s All American team. The roster was announced Jan. 16 and she will play in the all-star game March 28.
“It was just a blessing,” said Dixon when asked about being selected to the all-star team. “I was so happy and excited to be the first girl out of Memphis.”
Dixon, one of the most versatile players in the city of Memphis, plays the posts and leads the city in blocked shots. She has good ball-handling skills with good vision and occasionally leads the Ridgeway team in assists.
“She is a great kid. She deserves every bit of it. She works hard every day in practice. It is a great honor for the school and me. It is a great situation for the city,” said Ridgeway’s Cedric Lewis, who is in his first year as head coach for the school.
In a recent game at Southwind, Dixon had 28 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks in a 67-64 win. If the Roadrunners are going to make a run at a state championship, Dixon – who almost transferred last season – will be leading the charge for the team, which has a majority of younger players.
The Georgia Tech signee will continue to push her 11-8 Ridgeway team to the upper tier of the competitive AAA division that features Central and Whitehaven. Central has played in the last two state girls’ basketball tournaments in Murfreesboro, and Whitehaven has also been one of the best girls’ teams in Memphis the last few years.
“Words can’t begin to explain what she means to the team,” said Lewis. “She is a do-it-all player; she rebounds, she scores and she defends excellently.”
On what makes her the x-factor, Lewis said, “Her work ethic. On and off the court she does it both ways. She is a hard worker every day in practice. Every game she gives it her all.”
On how her game is going to translate when she plays at Georgia Tech next season, Lewis said, “At Georgia Tech, they are getting a real player. I am looking forward to watching the next level and the next level after that.”
Dixon, too, is ready for the next level.
“I am looking forward to the entire college experience and playing in the ACC against some great competitors. I would like to win as many games as possible and become ACC rookie of the year.”
The 17th annual McDonald’s All American Girls Game will be played March 28 in Atlanta at the Philips Arena. Tickets, which are $10, went on sale Feb. 5 and can be purchased via Ticketmaster or the Philips Arena box office.
Games week will kick off March 25 with a free Fan Fest at Atlanta’s Atlantic Station, where attendees will enjoy a day of live entertainment, basketball-themed activities and McDonald’s food.
The Powerade Jam Fest – featuring McDonald’s All American Games players in a three-point shootout, dunk contest and shooting competition – will be held March 26. The competitions will air live at 7 p.m. CST on ESPN2.
Don’t be surprised if Dixon is seen in the dunk contest, as she’s come close to dunking on several occasions and will be attempting the feat in future games.
(For additional information on the full team roster and All American activities, visit www.mcdaag.com.)