Sports Illustrated Capitol City Classic Champs: Ruston Bearcats

The 10th Anniversary Capitol City Classic In Oregon is an annual event that features some of the best teams from Oregon in a bracket style competition vs Top Teams across the nation. This year the Ruston Bearcats were featured for the first time to represent Louisiana in the prestigious competition. The Classic has featured notable players to include: Alijah Arenas, Jason Crowe Jr., CJ Rosser, Evan Mobley and plenty of others. Meet the standout players from the Ruston Bearcat roster that completed the Championship victory over St. Mary (AZ) that featured 5 star Duke Commit Cameron Williams 64-61.    Hudson is widely considered the best athlete in the nation regardless of classification and it was his efforts that lead the Bearcats to this prestigious Championship. Hudson is menace on both sides of the ball, and his presence changes the trajectory of any competition. His ability to control the boards and 5 Star Cam Williams in their final match-up was the difference in the match up. You can't teach 6"8 they say, but you can teach hook shots, mid range shots and footwork.   Hudson was blessed with physical gifts, but the work he put in to develop his game makes him special. Add that to his uncanny shot blocking instincts, quick jumping ability, fearless hoop mentality and boyish on court charm and you have Mr. [player_tooltip player_id='2132725' first='Ahmad' last='Hudson'], the most interesting athlete in the nation. This may be the start of his campaign for Gatorade Player of the Year and right now, he looks like the front runner.     Ford is the first of Basketball Royalty. He is the grandson of Basketball Legend Karl Malone. The story line sounds great, but the skill is what is most impressive. After watching Ford as a Freshman, I posted that he would be a 5 Star. Six months later, he received a four star ranking. Ford is an elite scorer and his constant pressure on the defense makes Ruston tough to figure out.   Ford can shoot the from the mid range out to the three point line with equal efficiency, and does not have to be in catch and shoot situations. He can create for himself and his understanding of creating space is special, considering he is 15 years old. His greatest ability is his basketball IQ. He makes the game easier for those around him, and as a PG, he will be one of the most recruited players in the nation. The sniper is in Ruston, and he came to win.     Malcolm may have made the biggest statement in the National event, because he put everyone on notice and the message is that he is a top level competitor. He made shot after shot, and did so with style and flash. In a tough match up Coach Jackson gave the team a message. No more three pointers, get to the rim. Malcolm proceeded to score eight straight points at the rim. He is unstoppable when he is getting down hill, but that is not his only weapon. He is an elite mid-range shooter and three point shooter. On the other side of the ball, he had the biggest play of the tournament with a clutch steal that sealed the Championship victory. Yes, the kid defends as well. He will be "the problem" for teams as they try to solve the Ruston riddle.   Malcolm is really a point guard, but he can play off the ball and excels in both roles. Coach Jackson and his ability to play Malcom in both positions makes the team special and makes Malcolm a high level national prospect. He is a stock riser in the state rankings, but his national profile will certainly gain attention. K5 is a problem and he is only getting started.     Morgan is new to the starting line up in Ruston, but this event was surely his intro to the national stage. Every team needs a utility player, one that can step in and do all of the little things that come up in tense competition. When the Bearcats needed an early scoring boost Morgan was there. When they needed defensive intensity. Morgan was there. When the team needed clutch free throws. Morgan was there.   Morgan has grown taller, added more strength and athleticism, improved his skills and sharpened his IQ making him a key piece to this Ruston squad. What does he do best? Figure out ways to win. He is a rising prospect in the 2027 class and will continue to make plays for Ruston.     Gray was the X factor in every single game because he brought something to the game that sets Louisiana basketball apart from many other states. He brought controlled intensity. Classics are generally looked upon as showcases and players show up to demonstrate what they can do. Gray shows up to stop those players from doing those things. He is a bully. He is going to touch, push, pull, poke, agitate, aggravate and stay right there in your face. He is a strong guard with great feet.   Gray uses his lateral quickness and full body strength to frustrate opposing players. What does not show up in the first quarter, surely shows up in the fourth. That is when frustration has fully kicked in and shots start to fall short and tempers and emotion take over. Gray is a top defender in the state and the nation got a sneak preview to what is next.     Anding is a niche player that comes in to provide defense and toughness to this squad with gifted offensive players. Anding is a top national defensive back, and on the court, his gridiron skills translate perfectly. He can guard anyone on the court and does it willingly. He wears the badge of defensive intensity and wears it with pride. Locally, it is known that Anding can play because his approach to competition is not stressful. He just goes out and competes.   Anding does not appear to enjoy a lot of attention or accolades, but he does want to win and he shows that through competing. He is a secret weapon for Ruston and his presence on the court means that opposing players will be in for a physical match up whether he is guarding a top point guard or power forward. He is competing to win. Introducing Jayden Anding. The solemn bully.    The Bearcats return home with a 5-0 record and look to get back to their winning ways in the coming weeks. Stay tuned in to PrepHoops for more player and team evaluations.

The 10th Anniversary Capitol City Classic In Oregon is an annual event that features some of the best teams from Oregon in a bracket style competition vs Top Teams across the nation. This year the Ruston Bearcats were featured for the first time to represent Louisiana in the prestigious competition. The Classic has featured notable players to include: Alijah Arenas, Jason Crowe Jr., CJ Rosser, Evan Mobley and plenty of others. Meet the standout players from the Ruston Bearcat roster that completed the Championship victory over St. Mary (AZ) that featured 5 star Duke Commit Cameron Williams 64-61.