Capital Classic To Showcase National and Local Talent

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

The much-anticipated annual Capital Classic basketball game will be celebrating its 50th anniversary on Saturday, April 28 at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast, Washington.

The competition’s athletes will include some of the best seniors in the nation against the best that the DMV has to offer.

Over the last half century, the Capital Classic has showcased some of the top players in the country, including hall-of-famers Michael Jor- dan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Dominique Wilkins, Grant Hill, Klay Thompson and Doc Rivers

Each team will have 12 players, many of whom have committed to such basketball powers as national champion Connecticut, the University of Maryland and Memphis, The game tips off at 2 p.m. and will be live streamed.

Ricky Goings, director of Player Engagement and Alumni Relations for the Capital Classic, explained that the teams were selected based on the recommendation of several national coaches and scouts as well as the best from this area.

“The Capital All-Stars are well positioned to defend the DMV’s turf against what will be a strong U.S. AllStar team," said Goings. "We look forward to hosting a competitive game as part of our 50th Anniversary.”

It is important to note that NCAA Division 1 coaches are not allowed to attend all-star games like the Capital Classic, but there will be representa- tives from the NBA. One of the players who is on their radar is Mikey Williams, a five-star recruit, who is headed to the University of Memphis.

The head coach of the U.S, team will be former DeMatha and University of Maryland standout, Adrian Branch. He will be assisted by Malcolm Battle, head coach at the Bard School who led his team to both the