Shining bright: East Clarendon's Cooper shows out in McDonald's All-American Games

East Clarendon superstar Talaysia Cooper had her first chance to play in front of the nation on Tuesday night, taking part in the McDonald's All-American Games in Chicago.

The girls game, which was broadcast nationally on ESPN 2, saw the team from the East dominate all night long. Cooper did more than play her part.

The East never trailed in a blowout 95-75 win over their counterparts from the West. Cooper played just over 15 minutes, scoring 15 points in the victory. The future South Carolina Gamecock showed off her skills from long range, burying three of her four attempts from deep. One of those long-range bombs was a highlight play as she crossed a defender and pulled up from two feet behind the arc to connect from three. She also dazzled with her ability to get to the basket, slashing around the nation's top recruits. Always a productive rebounder, Cooper also pulled down five boards.

The East and West split game MVP honors between two UCLA recruits. Kiki Rice earned the recognition from the East team, while Gabriela Jaquez was honored from the West. The future teammates each scored 17 points to lead their teams.

The East quickly put the game away, stealing the lead 21 seconds after the tip and never surrendering. They took the game over in the second quarter, going on a 15-0 run to go up 51-36 at the half. The East had five players in double figures. Along with Cooper and Rice, Ta'Niya Latson scored 15 points, Chance Gray had 14 and Janiah Barker had 14. Cooper's future USC teammate Ashlyn Watkins scored two points, pulled in six rebounds, had two assists and a steal.