Evans, Kakala Named McDonald’s All-Americans
January 16, 2017 | Women's Basketball
Dana Evans and Loretta Kakala are the 10th and 11th McDonald’s All-Americans in school history.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Louisville women's basketball signees Dana Evans and Loretta Kakala were named McDonald's All-Americans on Sunday night on ESPNU.
The duo, selected to play in the 16th annual McDonald's All-American Game on March 29 at Chicago's United Center, are the 10th and 11th signees in school history – all under head coach Jeff Walz – to earn the prestigious distinction.
Evans is one of three prospects in the Atlantic Coast Conference on the East Team, while Kakala is one of two on the West Team.
Evans, a 5-foot-6 guard, is a five-star prospect that is ranked seventh overall in the class of 2017, according to espnW HoopGurlz. Currently rated No. 3 at the guard position by espnW, Evans averaged a remarkable 35.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in her junior season.
The Gary, Ind., native, Evans averaged better than 20 points during her freshman and sophomore campaigns. She started all 23 contests as a freshman, producing 21.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, before contributing 26.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.0 steals as a sophomore.
Earlier this week, Evans was named to the Naismith High School Girl's Player of the Year Midseason Team.
Kakala, a 6-foot-3 forward, comes to Louisville as a five-star recruit and the 25th-best player in the class of 2017, according to espnW HoopGurlz. She is tabbed as the second-best post player in the class by the outlet. She also earned high rankings from All-Star Girls Report (No. 26) and Preferred Athlete Scouting Service (No. 31).
A first-team all-district player last year, Kakala averaged 16 points and 8.5 rebounds in her junior season. She was named to the CalHiSports Underclass all-state team that season as well as the first team all-Valley Oak League.
Evans, Kakala, and McDonald's All-American nominee Lindsey Duvall make up the fourth-rated class in the nation, according to espnW HoopGurlz. Since 2010, Walz and his staffs have built six top-10 classes.
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