Leesville, La. —
Hornbeck senior Breanna Poston and Simpson graduate Travis McDonald are among the top players in Vernon Parish when it comes to the hardwood.
Now, the duo will get a chance to test their abilities against the best.
Both Poston and McDonald, after their outstanding performances in the USA Junior Nationals all-state basketball competition, have been invited to compete in the prestigious USA Junior Nationals International Sports Festival at the University of Illinois from July 27 until August 2.
Based out of Madison, Wis., the USA Junior Nationals provides some of the top amateur competition in the United States and offers programs to all athletes who have a high level of talented on the basketball court and want to develop their skills and techniques through statewide, national and international competition.
Poston and McDonald will be given a unique opportunity to improve their talent level against highly organized competition.
The USA Junior Nationals organization offers competitions at around 42 sites in the spring, with competitions scheduled throughout the south, midwest, east and west coasts. Those athletes who demonstrate advanced skills, team leadership, a competitive spirit and good sportsmanship advance to the next level of play, which is the sports festival in Champaign, Ill.
Poston, a 5-10 center for the Lady Hornets, is a two-time all-state selection for the Class B school, having been a second-team pick after her sophomore season and a first-team choice after her junior campaign.
She is also a two-time first-team pick on the all-Vernon Parish squad, including being named the Most Valuable Player in 2009.
Poston has been a part of three consecutive district championships with the Lady Hornets, including two trips to the Ladies Top 28 and a quarterfinal appearance back in February.
McDonald is also a two-time all-Vernon Parish selection, along with making several all-district teams with the Broncos.
The 6-7 senior helped lead Simpson to the Top 28 in Lafayette this season, where the Broncos fell to eventual state champion Zwolle.
McDonald was a big key in the revival of boys' basketball at Simpson, being a part of two straight district championships.
In order for Poston and McDonald to compete at the event, they are in the process of trying to raise money as they need to pay for things such as registration, uniforms, food, transportation, lodging and camp insurance.
"We have been asking for donations from some of the small businesses in Leesville and in our communities as well," Poston said.
Both Poston and McDonald may also have fundraisers up until the time of their departure for the event.
If you would like to donate to their cause, you may contact Poston through Hornbeck High School at 318-565-4440 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For McDonald, call Simpson High School at 337-383-7810.
