St. Mary’s Cameron Williams fulfilled his dream of being named a McDonald’s All-American. 

What makes it even sweeter, like a McFlurry, is that he won’t have to travel far to play in the McDonald’s All-American Games.

Williams will represent the West team Tuesday at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. Playing at home appears to have bolstered the even-keeled Williams’ confidence. 
“I feel if we come out there, and we play hard and play the right way, it won’t be close,” said the St. Mary’s star during Monday’s McDonald’s All-American Games Media Day at Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Conference Center.

The West is loaded, with four of the likely top five players in the 2026 class, including No. 1 Tyran Stokes of Washington Rainer Beach High School. 

The 7-foot Williams is considered the third best prospect but No. 1 in the hearts of many in Arizona.  

Landing what is likely the most prestigious prep All-Star event is a big feather in Arizona’s basketball cap, as this will be the first time State 48 will host the 49-year-old event. 

Besides Williams, Mesquite’s 28-year coach Candice Gonzales, who will coach the West girls, also will represent Arizona in the McDonald’s All-American Games. 

But Williams and Gonzales won’t be the only representatives with Arizona prep ties. Former Desert Vista freshman phenom Jerzy Robinson and former Perry High player Bruce Branch III also were selected McDonald’s All-Americans.

Jerzy Robinson of California Sierra Canyon returned to the Valley for her final high school game. (Jose Garcia photo/AZPreps365) “Man, I know we won by 20 or 25 points in the championship,” said Robinson about winning the 2023 Open with Desert Vista before transferring to California Sierra Canyon. "There was just a lot of joy and excitement. My freshman year I had a wonderful team. My starting five are my sisters for life. Taking in that moment and being able to cut down the nets is something I’ll never forget.”

(In 2023, Jerzy Robinson (left) helped Desert Vista win the first ever Arizona Interscholastic Associaion Open title game for girls. Jose Garcia photo/AZPreps365)Branch III and Williams and their families know each other well, they said.

As a bit of friendly ribbing, when they see each other, Branch III will remind Williams of the time he beat him 1-on-1 at a youth event. 

“Great memories,” Branch III said. “I love Cam.”

(Bruce Branch III returned to the Valley as a McDonald's All-American. Jose Garcia photo/AZPreps365)The friends will be opponents Tuesday since Branch III now attends Florida Prolific Prep. 

“It’s going to be exciting,” Williams said about seeing Branch. "I think it’s going to be a good matchup.”

Williams also will face a future Duke teammate, point guard Deron Rippey Jr. of New Jersey Blairstown.

(New Jersey Blairstown's Deron Rippey Jr. (left) and St. Mary's Cameron Williams will team up next season at Duke. Jose Garcia photo/AZPreps365)The country’s top-48 prep boys and girls basketball stars are preparing to put on a show at Desert Diamond Arena Tuesday, and don’t be surprised if a St. Mary’s Bleacher Creature or two also show up. 

“They have done a lot on and off the court,” said Williams about the support he's received from the St. Mary’s community. "The Bleacher Creatures, at every game, they go crazy. I think we have the best student section in the nation. So that means a lot. Off the court, the teachers support me in classrooms. All of the alumni support me in many ways. So it’s a true blessing to have that support system behind me.”

AIA's McDonald’s All-Americans

Girls

Christina Wirth, Seton Catholic 2005

Dymond Simon, St. Mary’s 2006

Kayla Pedersen, Red Mountain 2007 

Kristine Anigwe, Desert Vista 2015

Boys

Brad Lohaus, Greenway 1982

Sean Elliott, Cholla 1985

Mike Bibby, Shadow Mountain 1996

Richard Jefferson, Moon Valley 1998

Jerryd Bayless, St. Mary’s 2007

Nico Mannion, Pinnacle 2019

Cody Williams, Perry 2023

Koa Peat, Perry 2025

Cameron Williams, St. Mary’s 2026

Coaches

Karen Self, Seton Catholic 2020

Candice Gonzales, Mesquite 2026

Tuesday’s McDonald’s All-American Games will start at 4 p.m. at Desert Diamond Arena and will be televised on ESPN.