Capitol City Classic Day 2: Top Performers

<p>The second day of the Capital City Classic featured the debut of the top out-of-state teams in the field, Lanier out of Georgia and Rancho Christian out of California. While the nation's top-ranked player Evan Mobley of Rancho Christian didn't suit up, the rest of the team was extremely impressive in a blowout win over Thurston.</p> <p>Here's a look at the top in-state kids that played on Tuesday.</p> <p><strong>Mason Lomax (2020 Sprague)</strong></p> <p>Lomax started off the season a little rough the last time we saw him at Westview but the senior is starting to round his game into shape. Against Wilson, he showed the type of versatility that we've seen in his game during the summer months, scoring at all three levels, hitting the boards hard, and also creating for his teammates. He physically overpowered other guards down low and finished plays with both hands. Lomax is a good defensive rebounder and has the ability to immediately turn and push the ball up in transition.</p> <p><strong>Kobe Withers (2020 Sprague)</strong></p> <p>As usual, Withers was money with his patented pull-up jumper. But the 6-foot senior also got his buckets in other ways as well, sinking an open three while also taking it very strong to the hole. Similar to Lomax, Withers was able to overpower Wilson's guards to the hoop and showed the ability to finish with both hands. He also handled pressure when given and really made a difference on the defensive end, using his quick hands for deflections while also bodying up on his assignment.</p> <p><strong>Trey Galbraith (2020 South Salem)</strong></p> <p>It clearly wasn't one of his better shooting games - he ended up shooting 6-for-17 from the field, 2-for-8 from three - but Galbraith ended up with 19 points and kept the defense on its toes all night long. The 5-foot-8 senior has a sneaky dribble where he can shift directions on a dime, and either step back for a long three or take it to the hoop where he can either finish himself or dish it to an open teammate. With his shot a little off, Galbraith was able to hand out five dimes.</p> <p><strong>Kieran Pruitt (2020 South Salem)</strong></p> <p>A transfer from West Salem, Pruitt is best known for his motor and intensity on the defensive end and that was in full force on Tuesday night. The senior was all over the basketball on both ends and wasn't afraid to hit the floor whether it was to fight for a 50/50 ball or take a charge. Pruitt may excel on D but he's not a liability on offense either. Pruitt hit a couple of open jumpers but more importantly helped move the ball around, ending up with six assists on the night.</p> <p><strong>Nick Zuro (2021 South Salem)</strong></p> <p>South Salem is expected to make a repeat run at the Mountain Valley Conference title and the presence of Zuro is a big reason why. He's got good size at 6-foot-7, but is also physically well built and athletic on top of that. He was strong setting up in the post and while he didn't hit a great percentage, he was definitely a threat. Defensively he did his best to hold his ground against West Albany's TJ Zimmerman and especially in the second half, was able to force the Bulldogs' post into some bad shots.</p> <p><strong>Logan Robertson (2021 Wilson)</strong></p> <p>Wilson is a relatively young team that's still learning so with the highs will come the lows of gaining experience. There wasn't a ton to write home for the Trojans but Robertson is a young man who earns a nod because of how hard he plays. The 6-foot-2 junior's motor seemingly never ends and he uses his strength and left-handedness well on drives to the hoop and playing tough man-to-man defense. As his overall skill level improves, there's no doubt he's a young wing to keep an eye on.</p> <p><strong>TJ Zimmerman (2021 West Albany)</strong></p> <p>A star tight end/defensive end, Zimmerman is a well-built young man at 6-foot-5, 235-pounds and he knows how to use that strength on the basketball floor. The junior enjoyed playing with his back to the basket and essentially backed down defenders for buckets or foul calls. When he got to the line, he showed a good stroke from the line as well. South Salem started to double him in the second half and he started to lose his effectiveness, but there's no question he's going to be a hard guy to handle in the Mid-Willamette League.</p> <p><strong>Grant Starck (2020 Thurston)</strong></p> <p>It's clear that Starck's future will be in football - after all he signed a letter-of-intent with Nevada this week. But the 6-foot-5, 280-pound offensive lineman is a pretty good hoops player too if Thursday night is any indication. Starck set up shop down low, finished plays near the hoop, and showed off a nifty little hook shot with touch. Despite his huge frame, he's actually quite light on his feet and move up and down the floor very well. He did get visibly tired though in the second half, but expect him to be an All-League candidate this season.</p>