Capital Classic

LeBron James, likely the No. 1 overall pick in June's NBA draft, has committed to play in the Capital Classic all-star game at MCI Center, an event organizer told The Washington Post for a story published yesterday. Paperwork from James confirming his intention to play in the April 17 game arrived yesterday, said Bob Geoghan, president of SportsAmerica Inc., the Rockville-based company that puts on the event. James, who plays for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, also has committed to play in the McDonald's All-American all-star game on March 26 at Gund Arena in Cleveland, a source close to game organizers told the Post, and the Roundball Classic, scheduled for Chicago on March 31. A player can only play in two all-star games and retain NCAA eligibility, the Post said.

WASHINGTON -- Nik Caner-Medley of the U.S. All-Stars was between foul shots during last night's preliminary game of the Jordan Brand Capital Classic when Capital All-Stars' guard Chris McCray signaled for him to "throw it off the glass and I'll stick it." "I told him, `not yet,' " said Caner-Medley. "You're still on the wrong team." The two players were among four University of Maryland signees who participated in the 29th annual Capital Classic at MCI Center. And despite the fact that the defending NCAA champions graduate three key players -- there is speculation that a fourth will enter the upcoming NBA draft -- Maryland's future looks bright.

When Darshan Luckey is introduced before tomorrow's 28th Capital Classic all-star game at the MCI Center, the senior from Southern of Baltimore will be stepping onto a court he might become familiar with over the next four years. The two-time All-Metro forward might wind up with Georgetown, which plays its home games at the Washington arena. "Kevin Braswell [formerly of Lake Clifton] plays for them, and he's been telling me the school is tough, academically and athletically," said Luckey, 6 feet 4, 190 pounds.

Known primarily for his defense, Derrick Snowden didn't take long in a recent practice to impress his fellow U.S. All-Stars with some offensive moves that will be on display against the Capital All-Stars in tomorrow night's 27th Capital Classic at MCI Center in Washington. "All it took," said Snowden, a two-time All-Metro pick from Archbishop Spalding, "was a couple of crossover dribbles to show my quickness," along with a couple of drives to the basket, of course. Snowden's efforts earned him the nickname "Baby-I," after former Georgetown star Allen Iverson, from U.S. All-Star teammates such as North Carolina-bound Adam Boone of Minnesota and Clemson-bound Tony Stockman of Ohio.

WASHINGTON -- The Maryland basketball program has three of its incoming players performing tonight in the Reebok Capital Classic at the MCI Center.But by the time the ball is tipped at 7: 30, a fourth could come into the fold.Reece Gaines, a 6-foot-5 point guard from Madison (Wis.) West High School, may announce his intention to attend Maryland as early as today and plans to make a college decision by tomorrow.His parents will hold some sway in the matter, particularly his father, Arnold "Clyde" Gaines, who played at Lake Clifton in the 1970s before going to play basketball at Wisconsin.

WASHINGTON -- Playing in last night's 25th Capital Classic at the MCI Center culminated a great day for Maine Central Prep's Kevin Braswell, who signed with Georgetown only a few hours earlier and was playing on a court where the Hoyas play many home games.It also offered the former Lake Clifton star a chance to display a bit of one-upmanship over a couple of his former high school teammates as he helped the U.S. All-Stars to a 126-107 victory.As a Lakers senior in 1997, Braswell starred with Michael King, who recently completed his freshman season at George Washington University alongside 1995 Lake Clifton graduate Shawnta Rogers.

As roommates during their preparations for tonight's 25th annual Capital Classic, Lonnie Baxter and Danny Miller, both University of Maryland signees, have plenty to talk about.They can discuss the immediate future that involves leading the Capital All-Stars against the U.S. All-Stars at 7: 30 p.m. at MCI Center in Washington, and their more distant futures with the Terps.Baxter, a 6-foot-8, 250-pound forward from Hargrave Military Prep in Virginia, is hoping for a shot at the position vacated by senior Rodney Elliott (Dunbar)

Annapolis started strongly last night against Douglass of Prince George's County in the Capital City Classic championship game. The host Panthers hit seven of their first 11 shots and took a 17-4 first-quarter lead.The problem, however, was how Annapolis finished.Rochelle Luckett scored 11 of her game-high 21 points in a wild fourth quarter in which Douglass registered the game's final seven points and scored a come-from-behind 47-45 victory over No. 4-ranked Annapolis.Douglass rebounded from a shaky first half that saw it trail by at least 10 points most of the time.

The Annapolis Panthers entered this season without a single starter from last year's 20-win team.In last night's opening round of the Capital City Classic, however, the host Panthers looked as if they haven't missed a beat.Thomas Hawkins scored 14 points to lead three players in double figures and Annapolis pulled away with a 16-2 run to open the second half in their 75-52 win over Oakland Mills.The Panthers (5-1) advanced to the championship game, where they will face Landon, a 49-45 winner over North County, at 8 p.m. tomorrow.