Eagles' Andrews among All-America nominees

Shelbyville Central's Emmanuel Andrews is one of just 22 nominees from Tennessee to play in the McDonald's All-American game. (T-G File Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Shelbyville Central's Emmanuel Andrews was recently recognized as one of the top prep basketball standouts in the nation, becoming one of just 22 players nominated for the McDonald's All-American high school boys basketball team in Tennessee.

The 5-foot-10 guard is among 1,500 nominees competing nationwide to fill one of 24 positions on the team. The game takes place March 31 in Columbus, Ohio at 8 p.m. EST. The final team.

Andrews was nominated by the McDonald's All-American basketball team selection committee, a group of 32 prominent basketball experts, including nationally-renowned coaches and top high school sports journalists.

"Emmanuel is one of those players who makes three or four shots and you're like 'unbelievable,'" Shelbyville coach Kevin Thomas said. "It can be with a pass, rebound, defensive play or a shot. He is truly fun to watch."

Since 1977, more than 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, including greats Magic Johnson, Kevin Garnett, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant.

Andrews averages 29.5 points per game and leads the Golden Eagles in steals, free-throw percentage and scoring. He is Shelbyville Central's all-time leading scorer. He is the son of Sam Houston from Shelbyville.