The No.8 player in the country for the class of 2024, Madisen McDaniel, resides in Maryland. However, many don’t know she was originally born in Chicago, but she later moved to Maryland at age two. McDaniel began getting involved in sports when she was three, but she tried several sports before she began playing basketball.
Initially, McDaniel’s joined the swim, dance, and soccer teams. Yet, none of these sports moved her spirit like the game of basketball did, not to mention she was naturally gifted at it.
Usually, when players begin playing basketball, very rarely does one have dribbling skills; most have to develop that skill over time. Despite that, McDaniel’s dribbling abilities came much faster than other facets of the game. McDaniel has a long line of basketball lineage and success, so it only appears natural that she followed suit.
McDaniel’s uncle, Ronnie Lester, suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls. While winning a championship with the 1985 Los Angeles Lakers, sadly, his career was cut short due to injuries. However, he worked as an NBA scout with the Lakers for several years before retiring.
“Basketball just appears to run in my family,” McDaniels stated. “My godmother and my uncle played at such a high level.”
Madisen McDaniel’s Ranking is Only the Beginning
Although McDaniel is ranked eighth overall in the country, her aspirations are even more significant. Some of her personal goals she’d like to accomplish is becoming the Gatorade Player of the Year (POTY), McDonald’s All-American, and Jordan brand. However, the biggest accomplishment she hopes to reach is having the opportunity to represent her country against opposing countries best.
One of her most extensive tactics for completing these goals is simply staying focused. McDaniel’s parents, Tameka and Jerry, can applaud the commitment to being focused. They’ve kept Madisen on the straight and narrow and helped her maintain her priorities. McDaniel described how vital education and school are to her by stating, “if my school isn’t in order, then I can’t play.”
There’s been a clear understanding that school is the priority and that the game of basketball is a privilege.
