SYRACUSE -- While Jamesville-Dewitt's Dajuan Coleman and Cicero/ North Syracuse's Breanna Stewart were on national TV playing in the McDonald's All-American basketball games, young players across Central New York were watching to see their hometown heroes shine. Stewart started for the East team in the girls game and Coleman started at center for the East in the boys game. The All-American game is one of the top honors in high school sports and seeing local players in the game was an inspiration for kids on playgrounds in Syracuse.

"I definitely want to play for SU. If i could make it to the McDonald's game that would be something - to see someone else from Syracuse make it is kind of cool," said Jahmai Sherman after playing at Thornden park in Syracuse.

For one region to have two of the best high school basketball players in the country is rare. Coleman is headed to Syracuse University next year and Stewart will play for Uconn.

Several young players at Thornden Park wanted to follow in Coleman and Stewart's footsteps but knew it would take a lot of work on and off the court.

"It makes me think, if I work harder, if I get my grades right and I practice long enough - I can make it there too," said Kapri Davis after playing with friends.