For basketball fans across the Department of War, this past weekend proved to be an exciting few days as 20 teams representing the Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force traveled to the Military District of Washington for the 29th Annual Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Capital Classic presented by the Greater Potomac Officials Association (GPOA) Feb. 13-16.
The Capital Classic, according to Brandon Lamberson, JBM-HH Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Support Services Chief, is the "grandest all-military tournament of the year, and this year proved no different with several close games that came down to the wire."
This year, teams from as far away as Texas and North Carolina made the trip to Washington D.C. to be a part of this tournament. Sixteen men's teams and four women's teams vied to be named champions of the Classic.
In the men's division, Fort Sam Houston was crowned victor over the JBM-HH Marines, withstanding a furious 21-point comeback in the second half before ultimately winning 84-80.
This came after a semi-final upset where the JBM-HH Marines narrowly beat the number one rated military team, Joint Base Langley-Eustis 68-67, and Fort Sam Houston beat Fort Bragg in the other semi-final. This was the first time in five years that Fort Bragg or JBLE, last year's defending champion, did not win the title.
In the women’s final, the Montford Point Marines from North Carolina took on the home team Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. Montford Point won the game 63-56 in a back-and-forth affair.
“The women's championship was an absolute slugfest,” said Lamberson. “Montford Point and JBAB went toe-to-toe, but Montford proved they had the edge and walked away with the crown.”
This year, several venues around the MDW hosted games across the holiday weekend including JBAB, Fort Belvoir, and JBM-HH.
Following the championship game, Col. Keith Sandoval, JBM-HH commander, thanked the facilitators of the event, presented awards and congratulated the participants for their efforts.
“Today’s awards recognize more than wins and losses. They represent the sportsmanship, leadership and commitment that you all have in and out of uniform," Sandoval said. "We’re honored to continue hosting this tournament at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.”
"The Capital Classic Basketball Tournament continues to serve as a celebration of athleticism within the military ranks, as well as way to build camaraderie among those who serve," Lamberson added.
JBM-HH DFMWR is already planning for next year's Capital Classic, which will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the event. According to Lamberson, the base is planning something special to mark the occasion, adding "if you thought this year was exciting, you'd better brace yourselves."
For teams interested in joining next year’s tournament, registration details will be available through the JBM-HH MWR office in the next few months.
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