I believe the Capital Classic has found a home at Bender Arena on the campus of American University. I drove down Foxhall Road to Nebraska & Massachusetts Avenues to see High School basketball stars from across the country put on a show this April 15th for the 37th Annual Capital Classic. Having attended several Capital Classics in the past, I was impressed with the fierce competition on the floor. The game reflected the parity in college basketball today as Georgetown, Maryland, Duke, Villanova, et al had quality recruits playing. There was no Patrick Ewing, or LeBron James dominating the event. The first game with the DC All-Stars vs the US All-Stars was one of the best I have ever seen. Ray Gatling from Oxon Hill, and the combo of Justin Burrell, and Antonio Jennifer from Potomac High lost a closely fought game with the DC All-Stars. Denzel Primus-Devonish from St. John's, and Phillip Hawkins from Eastern HS led a very balanced attack from the DC All-Stars. It was one of the most competitive preliminary games I have ever seen. As we all know many a college star has been discovered in the preliminary game to the Capital Classic. Our own Brandon Bowman is just one example.
The transition between the two games was quick, and seamless. I got a chance to catch up with Rich and Evan Chvotkin between games. It always feels like home with Rich doing the announcing. The Capital Classic was a very entertaining game. As with most all-star games, the guards really dictated the game, and the offense was ahead of the defense. The Capital All-Stars started a very small line-up with Josh Hairston from Montrose Christian with four guards. Markel Starks showed great court-sense hitting from outside, and inside with slashing moves to the basket. When the second units came, in future Hoyas Nate Lubick and Moses Abraham battled against each other. Nate finished with eight points with some powerful inside dunks. Moses Abraham scored only two points but grabbed 6 rebounds and altered a few shots on defense. Both Nate and Moses impressed me with their ability to run the court, and their ability to bang on the boards. Florida State recruit Ian Miller, and Villanova recruit JayVaughn Pinkston led the US All-Stars with twenty-four points each. However it was local product and Hoya recruit Markel Starks from Georgetown Prep who won the MVP award. The HoyaNation looks forward to the new Capital Classic alumni Nate Lubick, Moses Abraham, and Markel Starks wearing the Blue and Gray as they arrive at the Hilltop!
We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!
Dr. Thomas A. Wong
Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President Communications
Proud Member of Generation Ewing
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