Photo courtesy of Washington Post.
By David Cordova
April is here and all-star games for graduating seniors are out in full force around the country. One of the premier events took place this weekend at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., an event with a historical significance named the Capital Classic.
The event, which has been in existence since 1974, has been had plenty of marquee names since its inception, like NBA greats such as Michael Jordan (1981), Dominique Wilkins (1979), Earvin “Magic” Johnson (1979), Jason Kidd (1992), Grant Hill (1990) and Patrick Ewing (1981). Then there are the current NBA stars such as Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks, 2002), Dwight Howard (Atlanta Hawks, 2004), Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers, 2003), LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers, 2003) and Rajon Rondo (Chicago Bulls. 2004).
This year’s event had no shortage of talent, as the best players from around the country would meet up against the best players from the D.C./Maryland and Virginia area. Both sides wouldn’t disappoint, as the 43rd annual event had plenty of highlight-reel plays that excited the crowd. But when all was said and done, the United States All-Stars would win the game, 113-101.
Brandon Randolph (Westtown School, PA), committed to Arizona, led the U.S. team with 22 points, Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree (Neumann-Goretti, PA), committed to Villanova, scored 18 points and won the game’s MVP award. Bourama Sidibe (St. Benedict’s, NJ), committed to Syracuse, contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds.
For the Capital All-Stars, Luka Garza (Maret, Washington, D.C.), committed to Iowa, led with 18 points and 14 rebounds and won the Sportsmanship Award. Nate Watson (Bishop O’Connell), committed to Providence, also added 14 points and six rebounds.
Most Outstanding Players at The Capital Classic:
Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, Neumann-Goretti, Philadelphia, PA, Forward
Cosby-Roundtree is a physical forward that is aggressive on offense and is very tough when it comes to getting rebounds, as proven in this game. Scored 18 points. He will be playing at Villanova University in the fall.
Bourama Sidibe, St. Benedict’s Prep, Newark, NJ, Center
Sidibe is a big man that will get you rebounds and blocks in the low post on defense and is dangerous offensively in the paint. Scored 15 points and had 12 rebounds. He will be playing at Syracuse University in the fall.
Brandon Randolph, Westtown School, Westtown, PA, Guard
Randolph is a guard that has a silky-smooth game, but can also be aggressive when driving through the lane. Scored 22 points. He will be playing at the University of Arizona in the fall.
Collin Gillespie, Archbishop Wood, Warminster, PA, Guard
Gillespie is a scoring threat that is capable of getting to the basket at will, but also gets his teammates involved as well. Scored 8 points and added eight assists. He will be playing at Villanova University in the fall.
Brandon Huffman, Word of God Academy, Raleigh, NC, Center
Huffman didn’t really score much in this game, but he made his presence felt on defense by altering and blocking shots when the opposition came into the post. Scored 3 points and added seven blocks. He will be playing at the University of North Carolina this fall.
Luka Garza, Maret, Washington, D.C., Center
Garza was a tough rebounder that also found a way to score points in the paint. Attacks the glass ferociously and has good footwork. Scored 18 points and 14 rebounds. He will be playing at the University of Iowa in the fall.
Nate Watson, Bishop O’Connell, Arlington, VA, Forward
Watson has a lot of athletic ability and plays above the rim a lot. Has a lot of toughness, which shows in his game. Scored 14 points and added six rebounds. He will be playing at Providence College in the fall.
Matt Coleman, Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson, VA, Guard
Coleman is a flashy point guard that makes dazzling plays, but also can get teammates involved. Scored 9 points and added six assists. He will be playing at the University of Texas in the fall.
Isaiah Washington, St. Raymond, Bronx, NY, Guard
Washington is a guard that is a crowd-pleaser and makes highlight-reel plays, especially his patented “jelly” layup. Scored 13 points and added five assists. He will be playing at the University of Minnesota in the fall.
Aaron Thompson, Paul VI, Fairfax, VA, Guard
Thompson is a guard that possess a lot of quickness and can put the ball in the basket. Scored 10 points and added four steals to go with four assists. He will be playing at the University of Pittsburgh in the fall.
Chaundee Brown, Jr., The First Academy, Orlando, FL, Guard
Brown is a player that has plenty of finesse, but also has great body control when going to the basket. Scored 10 points. He will be playing at Wake Forest University.
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