UVA's Kymora Johnson Shows Potential at McDonald's All American Game

The first year of the Amaka Agugua-Hamilton era of Virginia women's basketball saw the Cavaliers increase their win total by ten games, go undefeated in non-conference play for the first time since 1991, and earn (but decline) a bid to the NIT. As Coach Mox looks to guide the Wahoos to another big step forward in year 2, she'll have some significant reinforcements on the way this summer.

Kymora Johnson became the first Virginia women's basketball signee to appear in the McDonald's All American Game since 2009. A five-star recruit from St. Anne's-Belfield in Charlottesville, Johnson was recognized as one of the top 24 high school girls basketball players in the country. 

On the night before the McDonald's All American Game in Houston, Johnson participated in the three-point shooting contest at the McDonald's All American JamFest and took home the title on the girls' side, knocking down 20 three-pointers in the process. 

On Tuesday night, Johnson took the floor alongside several future women's basketball stars in the McDonald's All American Game. Johnson had perhaps the most dazzling assist of the game, using a smooth spin move in the paint before dishing to UCLA signee Amanda Muse for the easy bucket. 

Johnson helped the West team earn a 110-102 victory over the East team in the McDonald's All American Game. 

The next time Johnson takes the court for a game will be in a Virginia uniform, as she is set to join the UVA women's basketball program this summer alongside fellow Virginia native Olivia McGhee, a four-star and top 50 overall recruit from Louisa County.

Johnson and McGhee will join a UVA squad expected to return the bulk of its roster from last season. Mir McLean, Camryn Taylor, and Sam Brunelle are all expected to come back, as are Kaydan Lawson, London Clarkson, Alexia Smith, Yonta Vaughn, and Cady Pauley. Coach Mox also indicated in a recent interview with Jeff White that Virginia is looking to add four or five additional players from the transfer portal this offseason. 

With those possible additions, UVA's experienced core of returning players, and the star-studded pair of newcomers in Kymora Johnson and Olivia McGhee, the Virginia women's basketball program is primed for a big leap in the 2023-2024 season. 

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