Sunshine High School junior guard Shafontaye Myers received an invitation last week to participate in the upcoming USA Junior Nationals All-Star High School Basketball Competition.

The event, which will take place Sunday, March 8 at Samford University in Birmingham, is generally considered a stepping stone to international competition.

“First I had to give honor to God because if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be where I am now,” Myers said. “This offer doesn’t come around to many people, especially not in the country like Newbern.”

Myers, who is averaging more than 31 points per game this season, received the invitation after having been identified as one of the top high school basketball players in the Southeast region.

“It’s kind of big. I was kind of shocked,” Myers said.

At the event, she will compete against other high school players from around the state. That event will also afford her the opportunity to represent the state at the International Sports Festival on the campus of the University of Illinois in Champaign from July 27 to August 2.

“Really I’m just going to go up there and play to the best of my ability and hope God will answer my prayers,” Myers said. “I haven’t gotten this far alone and I don’t expect him to leave me now.”

“With that type recognition, it means a lot to our program,” Sunshine head coach Phillip Wagner said. “Everything she gets, she deserves it because she is a hard worker.”