PHOTOS: Salem Capitals see fierce competition in first home game of season

Salem Capitals player Isaiah "Zay" Gentry dribbles the ball accross the court during the Friday, March 13, game against the Seattle SuperHawks. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)

The Salem Capitals kicked off the 2026 season Friday, March 13, in their first home competition this year against the Seattle SuperHawks.

Ahead of the 7:30 p.m. game, Capitals players in blue practiced on one side of the court, as the SuperHawks in black took turns on the opposite hoop. Hundreds of excited fans filled the seats of the Salem Armory Auditorium, many sporting blue and pink merch for the home team. 

The minor league team, founded in 2020, has around 15 players, including its owner and head coach, Jason Conrad. It’s part of the United States Basketball League.

The Salem Capitals team has a quick huddle before playing. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)

Friday’s competition was fierce, with the SuperHawks winning 113-90. 

The Capitals saw victory the next day in their second face off with Yakima Heat this season, taking the win 115-109. The victory evens the team’s record with two wins and two losses so far this season.

There are 10 more home games left in the 24-game season. The next is Sunday, March 29, against the Vancouver Bears.

Cameron “Benz” Benzel goes head-to-head with a Seattle SuperHawks player. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)
Jason Conrad, head coach and owner of Salem Capitals, revs up the crowd ahead of the game. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)
The arena is about a third full for the game. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)
Benched players watch the game. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)
Tyreek “Ty” Price competes on the court. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)
Jason Conrad and players hold up bull hand signs – the team’s mascot – after a huddle. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)
A Cherry Blossoms dancer pumps up the crowd between quarters. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)
Isaiah “Zay” Gentry walks across the court. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)
Dominique “Domo” Lawrence cheers on his teammates. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)
Two girls sporting Salem Capitals merch dance along with the Cherry Blossoms from the stands. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)
Isaiah “Zay” Gentry shoots a free throw. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)
The Cherry Blossoms dance with kids at half time to the tune of “Shout” by the Isley Brothers. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)
Two kids pulled from the crowd lock hands while dancing with the Cherry Blossoms. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)
Joshua Elsom roots for the Capitals. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)
Tyreek “Ty” Price defends the ball. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)
The referee handles the ball. (HAILEY COOK/Salem Reporter)

Have a news tip? Contact reporter Hailey Cook: [email protected] .

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Hailey Cook covers healthcare for Salem Reporter, from the city’s only hospital to local outlooks on health insurance coverage. She joined the newsroom in 2025, following the completion of an internship through the University of Oregon’s Charles Snowden Program for Excellence in Journalism. She also works as a photojournalist, capturing community events, government meetings and other gatherings.

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