March 28, 2012 marked yet another impressive milestone reached for Canadian amateur basketball.

Since Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph set the tone in 2010 as the first Canadians to be named Mcdonalds All-Americans, several stars have followed their path.

In 2011, the trio of Myck Kabongo, Kyle Wiltjer and Khem Birch stepped it up a notch to reinsure that it was no fluke; Canadian basketball is here to stay!

For the class of 2012, it was Brampton, Ontario’s Anthony Bennett who carried the torch, becoming the sixth Canadian selected as an All-American in the last three years.

“It’s a great feeling...Tristan and Cory, they motivated me and they were drafted into the NBA; so I feel like I’m going in the right direction.”

Despite an odd lack of minutes (13 mins) awarded to the #7-ranked player in America, Bennett was still able to produce a solid stat line of nine points and six rebounds.

On the women’s end, Lachine, Quebec’s Nirra Fields lit the torch for female Canadian ballers becoming the first ever to be a part of such a prestigious event.

“It means a lot...my number one goal this season was to be a McDonald’s All American, and be the first Canadian to play in the game as a female,” proudly stated Fields.

“Just getting here was an accomplishment; the rest was proving myself, proving I can play with Americans, proving I can play with the best in the country...it was just an honour.”

Not only did the UCLA commit break barriers for Canada, she also recorded a game-high 20 points while being in the running for MVP honours.

Fields was only four points away from breaking the all-time female scoring record and had a good chance to, however did not play the last four minutes of the game.

Nevertheless, the Quebec product had a groundbreaking performance, and understands the sacrifices she made to reach her goals, sending a message to those on the come up.

“If you put in the time, if you put in the effort, you can do anything...that’s what I did to get here,” stated Fields.

“To all the Canadian ballers that want to come to America, just work hard and work on your game.”

Bennett and Fields become the sixth and seven Canadians to represent the red and white at the McDonalds All-Americans, and at this rate, the trend does not seem like it will break off anytime soon.

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