Chester's Rondae Jefferson set for McDonald's All-American Game

With his work complete, Rondae Jefferson let his mind drift with 20 minutes remaining in his math class at Chester's Smedley High.

There was a month until the start of basketball season, and Jefferson wanted to create something that described his personality.

After some failed ideas, Jefferson had it: Calm, humble, and patient - C.H.A.P.

That's how he behaved this season. He said he'll take the acronym to a national stage Wednesday night in the McDonald's All-American Game, the premier high school basketball showcase.

Jefferson, a 6-foot-7 senior swingman, is the first Chester High player to play in the game, which will air live at 9:30 p.m. on ESPN from Chicago's United Center.

"It's a dream come true and I really appreciate it," said Jefferson, who despite never attending Chester High was eligible to play for the Clippers because he attends Smedley, which is in the Chester-Upland school district.

Jefferson arrived in Chicago on Saturday and spent Sunday afternoon with children at a Ronald McDonald House. Jefferson and his all-star teammates led the children in an Easter egg hunt and decorated cookies.

A day later, Jefferson's calmness shined at the event's dunk contest. After missing two through-the-legs dunks, Jefferson gestured to the crowd to make more noise before attempting the challenging dunk twice more.

"You always have to keep the composure," Jefferson said. "Even when things aren't going your way."