Shon Abaev has etched his name into the history books at Calvary Christian Academy, becoming the school’s first-ever selection to the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game.
Abaev, a 6-foot-7 senior forward, was one of only 24 players nationwide chosen for the 2025 game, solidifying his status as one of the top high school basketball talents in the country. He is the only representative from Broward County, one of just three players from South Florida, and one of four from the entire state of Florida to receive the honor.
A standout for Calvary Christian’s varsity boys’ basketball team, Abaev has emerged as a dominant scorer and all-around playmaker. He is ranked No. 6 nationally among small forwards and No. 28 overall in the Class of 2025, according to 247Sports. His five-star composite rating of .9916 places him among the elite recruits in the country.
Abaev will play in the McDonald’s All-American Game on April 1 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The game will be televised live on ESPN at 9 p.m. Eastern.
The McDonald’s All-American Game has served as a launchpad for some of basketball’s greatest names, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. Now, Abaev joins that elite company — and adds to the legacy of Cincinnati basketball, where he is committed to play at the next level.
Abaev received offers from 26 Division I programs before committing to the University of Cincinnati in the fall. He becomes just the eighth player in Bearcats history to earn McDonald’s All-American honors, joining a list that includes Roger McClendon, Damon Flint, DerMarr Johnson, and Lance Stephenson.
Abaev’s offensive versatility and advanced scoring ability have drawn national attention. Adam Finkelstein, Director of Scouting for 247Sports, called him “one of the most polished one-on-one scorers in the national class,” noting his size, strength, and ability to create shots in tight spaces.
Now on one of the biggest stages in high school basketball, Abaev’s journey continues — with one more high school milestone ahead and a promising college career on the horizon.
