Just posted over at the Washington Post:
In what could prove a significant step in the evolution of women's athletics, a high school girls basketball player did more than just compete in a slam dunk contest Monday against five of the nation's best high school boys players.Candace Parker, a 6-3 17-year-old from Naperville, Ill., won the event, beating a field of male competitors that included at least two who could be playing in the NBA next season.
"I was saying earlier that I hope 10 years from now this isn't a big deal," said Parker, who will play at Tennessee next season. "That would be my dream. That 10 years from now three or four girls enter the dunk contest and it's not a big deal. It's not like, 'Wow, she won.' I hope that happens."
It's all part of a McDonald's All-American Game that will be televised Wednesday night on ESPN. Be sure to tune in.
I think people will be saying “wow, she won” as in “wow, she won after those weak dunks”.
I saw the highlights on sportscenter and the way espn.com had the feat plastered on their front page you’d have thunk she shattered the backboard. But she DID dunk, which is impressive in its own right. But I think the fact that she won was more of a stunt than based on actual merit.
But…..its just a high school dunk contest, which is meant for fun.