It’s happening: South Carolina signee Ashlyn Watkins will compete in dunk contest
Ashlyn Watkins will have a national stage to showcase her dunking ability.
The Cardinal Newman senior confirmed Friday she will compete in the dunk contest that’s part of the McDonald’s All-American Game festivities next month in Chicago. The dunk contest is part of the Powerade Jam Fest on March 28 and will be aired on ESPN2. The respective boys and girls games are the next night on ESPN and ESPN2
Watkins, a University of South Carolina signee, was announced last month as a selection for the annual all-star game that features 24 of the top senior players in the country.
“I didn’t really expect to be picked for the game, but I am going to go to Chicago and will do my best,” Watkins said Friday after scoring 28 points in a semifinal win over Northwood Academy.
It won’t be the first time a girl has been in the McDonald’s dunk contest. Former Tennessee great Candace Parker won it in 2004, and Fran Belibi — now at Stanford — competed and won in 2019.
The 6-foot-3 Watkins and her dunking ability began in 2015 as a fifth-grader during a game on a 9-foot basket. In 2018, she dunked twice during the summer at the Jr. NBA World Championship.
Watkins has dunked several times in games for Cardinal Newman, including the 2020 playoffs. She attempted a dunk Friday against Northwood Academy but was unsuccessful.
Once the season ends, Watkins said she plans on working to come up with something unique for the dunk contest. Cardinal Newman goes for its fourth straight championship on Saturday against First Baptist.
“I’m going to work with my trainer on some moves so I can try to come with another dunk instead of a one-handed dunk,” Watkins said.
This story was originally published February 26, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
