CAPITOL CITY CLASSIC

Notable Performances by Meshu Negga, Regional Analyst

Salem, OR - The stage was set in the Pacific Northwest, for regional teams and a few outside foes to sharpen their blades one more time before the holiday break. The Capitol City Classic put together a first-class event with great matchups where teams competed, and individual players shined.

2023 (PG) Jackson Shelstad - West Linn (OR)

One of the best players competing in the Capitol City Classic was the ’23 Oregon commit, Jackson Shelstad. The 6’ lead guard, got whatever he wanted and imposed himself on either side of the ball. His athletic burst, feel/anticipation with a refined skillset were on display, scoring it with ease from all 3 levels and wreaking havoc defensively on & off the ball. In the first few possessions of game 1, using his speed to cover ground in the passing lanes and wiry strength to hound ballhandlers, he quickly converted two consecutive steals into layups, setting the tone early. Although he finished with 3 steals in the box score, it certainly seemed like it could’ve been doubled. With Jackson’s low center of gravity, first step, and tight handle, defenders were helpless to keep him in front. He converted plays at the rim with acrobatic finishes, showed a sharp mid-pullup game, and had the ability to knock down shots from deep, stopping on a dime in transition with textbook form. He ended the first contest with 33 PTS | 14/22 FG | 3/8 3FG | 6 REB | 12 AST. Then Shelstad showed his ability to take it to another level. Down at half of the 3rd game and only 4pts in the box score, he put up a blistering 31pts in 20min, leading his team to another win with crucial stops (5stls total) and scores down the stretch. Capping the tournament off with a 3pt victory and a total team effort in securing the championship, Jackson ended the Capitol City Classic averaging 28.25 PTS | 60.8% FG | 32% 3FG | 4.25 REB | 4.5 AST | 3 STL. Dana Altman has a special one coming his way.

2023 (G) BJ Davis – Modesto Christian (CA)

Another talented team participating in the Capitol City Classic, Modesto Christian’s BJ Davis made a huge splash in game two of the tournament dropping 49pts on 27 shots. He put the ball in the basket in a plethora of ways; pushing the tempo for tough transition finishes, using great footwork with dribble combo moves for mid-range jumpers, along with numerous catch & shoot/pull-up 3’s (7/12 3FG). He followed that performance with a 25pt game on 7/10 shooting from the floor. He finished the tournament with 26 PTS | 56% FG | 45% 3FG | 5.75 REB. The San Diego State commit brought it on both ends of the floor. Using his quick feet and hands, he was a pest on the perimeter crowding ballhandlers and getting his hands on the ball. BJ is a feisty playmaking guard who is looking to use his speed and ballhandling skills to continue to impact winning at the next level.

2023 (SG) Brady Rice – Beaverton HS (OR)

Brady Rice has been as steady as they come for Beaverton during the Capitol City Classic. The unassuming 6’1 shooting guard is a silent assassin who beats you with heady plays, deceptive speed, and craftiness in his creation. During the tournament, Rice was able to put up 17 PTS | 58.9% FG | 6 REB | 6/14 3FG overall. At his size, he showed his toughness by sticking his nose in paint amongst the bodies, taking rebounds, and generating instant offense as a one-man break in transition. In the halfcourt he was effective playing on & off the ball; being the recipient of C&S corner threes or rim finishes off cuts to the basket, as well as snaking through screens, keeping defenders on his backside all the way to the rim. Brady has a great feel for how to play the game and contribute to winning, helping lead his team to a 3-1 record and a 4th-place finish.

2024 (F) Bryson McGlothin – John Paul II (TX)

Bryson McGlothin, the 2024 Texas native displayed some enticing potential with his physical tools and production during the Capitol City Classic. Standing about 6’6 with plus length, his activity on both ends was noticeable from the jump. Those attributes, despite his slight frame, helped him nearly average double-digit boards (8.75 REB with 2.25 ORB a game) throughout the tournament. Bryson looked comfortable scoring it around the paint; sealing defenders, playing through contact, and finishing with a soft touch over the top of opponents. But his flashes of offensive versatility were intriguing, with self-creation from the perimeter going off the bounce and shooting it at a good clip, going 8/20 overall from the 3pt line. Defensively, Bryson demonstrated he’s capable of being a disrupter on this end, specifically on the perimeter with great length and sufficient mobility. With intentional development of his body and continued refinement of his overall game, Bryson could be looked at as a late-blooming versatile forward a lot of teams would love to have. He finished the week averaging 16.5 PTS | 51% FG | 40% 3FG | 8.75 REB | splitting the four games going 2-2.

2024 (G) Jack Turner – St. John Bosco (CA)

The St. John Bosco (CA) team is loaded with talent, led by a super sophomore Elzie Harrington, but this week the 2024 Loyola Chicago commit, Jack Turner stepped up to the plate for his squad. The 6’1 guard, who led his team in scoring, seemingly couldn’t miss from deep, out the gate going 5/8 3F in game 1. With defenses fixed on his teammates, the ability to space and make himself available in passing windows speaks to his understanding of the game. With a high arc and quick release on his shot, he’s able to get it off over contested hands and with an ability to do so in varying fashions; trail 3’s, flare screens and catch & shoot shots from the corner. His ability to space the floor and be a threat on the perimeter, opened driving and passing lanes for him. Unselfishly, Turner actively looked for his teammates. Using deceptive speed, he engaged the 2nd defender on drives, made the right read, and executed passes with accuracy, accumulating 16 assists overall. There was an efficiency in his game that was exhibited throughout the tournament, shooting 52.6% FG | 46% 3FG | while averaging 13.25 PTS in just under 20min a game. He helped lead his team to the championship matchup vs West Linn, but fell just short 57-60. Jack showed to be the type of player you want to play with, unselfish and always answering the bell every time his number is called.