Josh Smith of Kentwood High School joined the ranks of basketball’s elite last Thursday with his selection to the prestigious 2010 McDonald’s All American high school boys basketball team. Smith’s participation in the games will help raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio, which supports local children and families in need.

Smith was named to the West squad, and will play with the 23 other top male high school basketball players in the country. He averages 13.4 points-per-game, 11 rebounds and

2 blocked shots.

The boys game will tip off at 5 p.m. March 31 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio and will air live on ESPN.

Since 1977, over 750 male players have competed in the McDonald’s All American Games, forming an elite list that reads like a “Who’s Who” in basketball history. McDonald’s All American athletes include basketball greats Alonzo Mourning, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony and

Kevin Durant.