Anthony Brown Jr. hoists the Capital Classic MVP trophy after scoring 32 points. (Photo courtesy of Aayush Naksathram).
The 53rd Annual Hoop Culture Capital Classic marked a sensational return to Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. after a nine-year hiatus, reigniting the energy and legacy of “the game that started it all” while setting the stage for what’s to come.
CEO of the Capital Classic and Hoop Culture, Tom Doyle, said, “I couldn’t have scripted it any better. I can see next year, and the year after that, it’s going to be even bigger and better because that’s how the game used to be when Bob [Geoghan] had it back in the early days, and Pete Deoudes [Capital Classic Co-owner] and I are continuing his legacy.”
Capital All-Stars vs. United States All-Stars
The Capital All-Stars and the United States All-Stars battled back and forth in an evenly matched first half, with both teams getting settled in the game. However, the Capital All-Stars including SC NEXT100 No. 8-ranked Baba Oladotun and No. 76-ranked Anthony Brown Jr. found their rhythm — and the rest was history.
Anthony Brown Jr. is committed to Vanderbilt, while Baba Oladotun is heading to Maryland. (Photo Courtesy of Aayush Naksathram).
Oladotun, the 16-year-old 6-foot-9 power forward, caught fire in the third quarter, knocking down tough shots from all over the floor and showcasing his perimeter skill set. He also flashed his athleticism with a put-back dunk that brought the crowd to its feet.
“The crowd out there, my family, it was really fun to play in the NBA environment,” Oladotun said. “So really grateful to just play with the best-of-the-best competition and really have fun out there.”
However, Brown Jr. made the most of one of his final hometown appearances before heading to college. The Washington, D.C. native caught fire in the fourth quarter, knocking down six threes en route to 32 points in a 103-81 win and Capital Classic co-MVP honors alongside Georgetown commit Justin Caldwell (18 pts).
“I just wanted to have fun, there was no real end goal besides to win,” Brown Jr. emphasized. “Today, my job was to put the ball in the hoop. It felt good, so I kept doing what I had to do.”
Other Standout Performers:
- Shane Pendergarass: 18 points, 5 rebounds (George Mason Commit)
- Darius Bivins: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists (Undecided)
- Louis O’Keefe: 12 points, 4 rebounds (Princeton Commit)
- Sammy Jackson: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals (VCU Commit)
West All-Stars vs. East All-Stars
Promise Njoku is committed to UNC-Wilmington. (Photo Courtesy of Aayush Naksathram).
The second annual Vicki Brick-Zupancic DMV Girls All-Star Game tipped off the Capital Classic. Promise Njoku earned MVP honors with 12 points, nine rebounds and three assists, leading the East All-Stars to a 54–47 win. With the game set to remain part of the All-American showcase, Boyle said it can only continue to grow.
Giving back to the community
The Capital Classic ultimately raised $50,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and $10,000 for the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. Not only did the All-American showcase highlight top high school talent, but it also gave back to a community rich in history.
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