Kenyea Beach aims to go out a McLegends winner

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Kenyea Beach is averaging more than 32 points per game in seven McLegends appearances. | File photo

Starting Lineups

Boys High School All-Stars

(includes jersey numbers)

4: Julian Lewis, 6-5, H-F

10: Deji Ibitayo, 6-3, Rich Central

14: Brian Greene Jr., 6-3, Thornton

23: Jay Parker, 5-11, Thornton

33: Darius Draper, 6-6, Stagg

Coca-Cola McLegends

10: Curtis Randle El, 5-10, 1996 Thornton/Indiana

34: Tai Streets, 6-3, 1995 Thornton/Michigan

37: Rodney Harrison, 6-1, 1991 Marian Catholic/Western Illinois

58: Napoleon Harris, 6-3, 1997 Thornton/Northwestern

82: Antwaan Randle El, 5-10, 1997 Thornton/Indiana

More McLegends coverage

Article Extras

Updated: November 24, 2011 3:34AM

Much of the attention on the McLegends roster is devoted to the local NFL stars.

Antwaan Randle El, Napoleon Harris and Rodney Harrison receive top billing on the McLegends marquee. Based on the trio’s success in the NFL, it’s well-deserved.

When it comes to the actual McLegends games, though, no one has produced more than Kenyea Beach.

The 1996 Crete-Monee graduate is averaging 32 points over seven McLegends games.

Coincidentally, the McLegends are 6-1 in those games.

“I just try to go out and contribute in a positive way,” said Beach, who played his college ball at East Central Oklahoma State. “I’m not in the spotlight like a lot of the guys. I’m under the radar. The scoring isn’t my goal. My goal is to win the game.”

McLegends, which celebrates its 10th edition Saturday at Thornton, has produced some magical moments. None, however, tops the 2005 game at Beach’s alma mater.

The McLegends trailed by 19 points with just four minutes remaining. But the “old guys” mounted a thrilling comeback, with Beach hitting a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer.

“It was amazing,” Beach said. “I’ve never been a part of something like that. To do it at Crete-Monee made it even more special.”

Win or lose Saturday, the opportunity to set foot on Thornton’s fabled gym floor one more time is equally special for Beach.

“In a lot of ways Thornton is the mecca of high school basketball in the south suburbs,” Beach said. “To play there with guys I respect, I appreciate the opportunity a lot.”

For Beach, it’s not only about the thrill of competition, it’s about the distinct possibility of hanging up his McLegends shoes for good.

“This could be a good time to ease my way out this year,” Beach said. “It’s time to move forward and let some other guys transition in. I like participating and it’s good for the community. But I think it’s time.”

Beach desperately wants to go out a winner, no matter how many points are next to his name in the scoresheet.

“I’m not trying to top one year over the other,” Beach said. “It’s not important for me to score 30-something points and lose. I’d rather break it up and score 10 points, get eight rebounds, eight assists and get the win.”

The key to winning McLegends X?

“The key will be rebounding, limiting our turnovers and making our shots and free throws,” Beach said. “We have to come out and play at a comfortable pace and adjust our game as the game goes on.

“The young guys get caught up in competing against one another. If I hit a 3-pointer, they try to respond to me and jack one up. We don’t get caught up in that. We prefer the team aspect.”