St. Patrick Star Named McDonald’s® All American Finalist

ELIZABETH—Dexter Strickland of Rahway has been named to participate in the 2009 McDonald’s All American High School Basketball Game.  Strickland, a point guard for St. Patrick High School in Elizabeth, will be a member of the Boy’s East Squad team along with 24 other top national boys’ basketball players in the country. 

“What began as our commitment to having a men’s All American team thirty-two years ago has blossomed into a great part of the game,” said Rahway McDonald’s owner/operator Ed De La Cruz. “We believe in our student athletes and take pride in all of their hard work and dedication to this great sport.  Our local McDonald’s family looks forward to seeing him shine at the game this year.”

The 32nd Anniversary of the Boys Game will tip off at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, and will air live on ESPN.

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St. Pat’s Strickland Status Uncertain, Here Come Kyrie

By Jim Whelan

When a nationally-ranked high school team loses their top player to injury, the competition usually breathes a sigh of relief.     

Dexter Strickland did not start his senior year on the right foot at St. Patrick’s High School.  Strickland sat out the Celtics’ first game of the season during their trip to the City of Palms Basketball Tournament for a school infraction. He served his penance and is trying to finish his senior year by winning a state championship and a Tournament of Champions victory for the Elizabeth school

Already hampered by a knee injury, the Rahway resident re-injured it against Edison Academy on Jan. 14.  “It doesn’t feel right,” said St. Patrick’s Coach Kevin Boyle about his senior standout’s knee.  “He had an MRI on it (Jan. 15).  We are going to wait and see.”  

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