Seniors McRae Taul and Spence Sims from Fairhope were announced as part of the newest wave of nominees for the McDonald’s All-American Game set for April in Houston.

The pair of Pirate standouts have helped their team to a 15-4 record entering Tuesday’s senior night matchup against a 13-6 Cottage Hill Christian team. Fairhope opens play within Class 7A Area 2 on Friday against Foley.

Taul and Sims were among the 724 girls’ and boys’ basketball players nominated for the opportunity to play in the annual All-American Game this April. They were Alabama’s lone representatives on the boys’ side as part of 43 states and the District of Columbia represented across the country.

The final rosters will be revealed on Tuesday, Jan. 23, between 3 and 4 p.m. on ESPN’s NBA Today program.

“This moment is really a culmination of the hard work each of these athletes have put into this game — all those long hours on the court, in the gym and classroom,” said Joe Wootten, McDonald’s All-American Games Selection Committee Chairman. “My father, Morgan Wootten, co-founded this game over four decades ago, giving high school athletes a national platform to showcase their skills on the biggest stage. It means so much to me and my family to continue his legacy and give athletes this special moment to shine.”

Taul, a 6-foot-6 forward, recently eclipsed the 1,000-point mark during Fairhope’s top-10 matchup against Mary G. Montgomery last Friday. Sims, a 6-foot-1 guard, committed to the University of Alabama at the beginning of the season after a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double against Vigor.

Both athletes have also garnered Seacrest Furniture Athlete of the Week honors this season. Sims won over Gulf Coast Media readers with Most Outstanding Player efforts in the Robertsdale Pre-Thanksgiving Tournament and Taul used double-doubles in three straight wins before the winter break.

“Having the Games here in Houston last March was so special — it was an experience to remember as fans were treated to two amazing games between some of the best in high school basketball,” said Jonathan Miles, Houston-based McDonald’s Owner/Operator. “I can’t wait for Toyota Center to be rocking again as the newest class of McDonald’s All Americans take the court in April.”