After arriving and getting a copy of the program, I managed to thumb thru and look at all the superstar players that have showcased their talents over the years in what was one of the premier high school all star games in the country, I mean it's unbelievable the names, too many to list here.

Over time, though ,other events have swooped in to steal away the top talent, not to mention the Jordan Brand Classic which will be played in front of a sellout crowd April 19th in Madison Square Garden on ESPN2.

    The first thing I noticed is how sparse the crowd is.  It seemed this year's event drew less than last which wasn't very large at all.   The Capital Classic is nothing like it used to be.  I remember watching it on local TV and it was a packed house.  No question, it was one of the toughest tickets in town.   I had the fortunate opportunity to attend back in 1983 and see a little fella by the name of Tyrone "Mugsy" Bogues.  I read in this year's program that he only scored six points but what I remember was how disruptive he was.  He was a little jet on the floor getting steals and penetrating at will.  "Mugsy" was voted the MVP of that game and went on to have a successful pro career after doing "four" years at Wake Forest.

I didn't know a single name on this year's roster for the US All Star team with the exception of Henry Sims, and that's only because he will be attending Georgetown.  Fortunately, I've been following the big name local players such as O'Connell's Jason Clark, and Gonzaga's Max Kenyi.   I still don't know the process of how they select the US All Star players but each were very talented just the same, trust me.  

Liked I mentioned in the article, the US team just burned rubber on the local kids from start to finish.  Henry Sims just dominated down low.  I hear a lot about this Greg Monroe kid, but until I see him play, I can't heap praise or make any kind of judgement.  Sims was the most dominate kid on the floor with natural shot blocking instincts.   The star of the game was perhaps Sean Mosley from Baltimore.  I wrote in my notes that he was explosive, athletic, and a great defender.   Mosley can do it.  Gary Williams has a star for sure. Coach Dan Hurley said to me after the game he thought Mosley was one the four best kids he's seen at the high school level this year and that's saying something.  Mosley told me he would probably play the two position for the Terps and I think he will get significant playing time as a freshman not only because of his ability but because he looks physically ready to play. He has a strong body.   A great quality about Mosley is he seems so grounded and mature for his age.  Never once did he give me the impression he was a prima donna.

Coach Hurley went on to say he knew the DC area kids were tough but felt they were probably a little nervous playing in front of the home crowd.   Another surprise was the international kids 6'8" Olek Czyz from Reno, HS  and Deividas Dulkys from Findlay College Prep in Ohio.  Czyz is originally from Poland and Dulkys from Lithuania but let me tell you, they are incredibly explosive.  Czyz missed an incredible left handed dunk attempt over a local kid and rocked a windmill jam late in the second half.   Czyz will attend Duke while Dulkys will play for the Seminoles of Florida State.   Dulkys has a nice game.  I think by his sophomore year he'll get significant playing time, if not starting. 

George Mason picked up a gem in point guard Andre Cornelius.  Listed at 5'10" in the program, he's more like 5' 8" but is a brilliant playmaker, defender and is very explosive.  Where does Jim Larranaga find these guys? Coach Dan Hurley said to me he knows why Cornelius's team was racking up so many wins in North Carolina.  He ran the show for the US team early.

As far as the local kids,  Max Kenyi athletically can get the job done.  He made some steals on defense and was quick enough to drive the lane and create for himself.  Van Johnson of Game Plan Sports said Kenyi will be the most athletic player in the Ivy League.

Jason Clark is one I had my eye on the most because he'll be playing for the Hoyas and they need a good distributor/playmaker.   It's evident that he has ball handling skills, but the Capital team struggled early and often with him leading the point.  All game long, the local kids turned the ball over.   The Capital team seemed to run smoother with Springbrook's CJ Garner running the show.   Clark will mold into a solid guard in the Hoyas system.  The way it's shaping up, he will tutor under starter Jessie Sapp whose mission will be to get the ball to either Monroe or Sims when and where they need it.

Braswell will be a solid contributor for the Hoyas as well.  He's a good free throw shooter and seems to have solid fundamentals.  He probably won't be an offensive threat but should become a solid rebounder and defender who plays with energy. 

By the way what high school senior does Coach Hurley think will have the biggest impact at the college level next year? Samardo Samuels. "He'll be a dominating force because of his strength.  Samuels didn't play in the Capital Classic but you can catch him in the Jordan Brand game later this week.

Don't forget to check back weekly for "The Eye of the Storm" with Hurricane Forest Godwin and the Wizards inside track with Barry Barnes.