Mauricio Smith dives for a loose ball during the Salem Capitals Blue/White scrimmage on Jan. 28, at the Salem Armory Audiorium. (JOSHUA MANES/Keizertimes) 
Isaiah Gentry (White 9) puts a shot up over Anthony Douglas (Black 10) during the Salem Capitals Blue/White scrimmage on Jan. 28, at the Salem Armory Auditorium. (JOSHUA MANES/Keizertimes) 
Noble the Ox, the Salem Capitals new mascot for the 2023 season, prepares to throw a T-shirt into the crowd during a timeout at the Salem Capitals Blue/White scrimmage on Jan. 28, at the Salem Armory Auditorium. (JOSHUA MANES/Keizertimes) 
Isaiah Gentry (White 9) drives against Rudy Massaad (Black 8) during the Salem Capitals Blue/White scrimmage on Jan. 28, at the Salem Armory Auditorium. (JOSHUA MANES/Keizertimes) 
Scott Clough puts up a shot inside during the Salem Capitals Blue/White scrimmage on Jan. 28, at the Salem Armory Auditorium. (JOSHUA MANES/Keizertimes) 
Jameel Tolbert finishes a dunk during the Salem Capitals Blue/White scrimmage on Jan. 28, at the Salem Armory Auditorium. (JOSHUA MANES/Keizertimes) 
Jameel Tolbert puts up a finger role during the Salem Capitals Blue/White scrimmage on Jan. 28, at the Salem Armory Auditorium. (JOSHUA MANES/Keizertimes) 
Scott Clough watches his jump shot arc up during the Salem Capitals Blue/White scrimmage on Jan. 28, at the Salem Armory Auditorium. (JOSHUA MANES/Keizertimes) 
Darius Morrow dribbles past Matthew Smith during the Salem Capitals Blue/White game on Jan. 28, at the Salem Armory Auditorium. (JOSHUA MANES/Keizertimes)
The Salem Capitals returned for their second season, holding the Blue and White scrimmage of Saturday, Jan. 28. In what was essentially the final day of training camp, an intrasquad scrimmage was held in front of fans at the Salem Armory Auditorium.
A slew of familiar faces from last season’s squad was there, as well as a few new faces.
Among the returners was Kevin Johnson Jr. Last season, Johnson played power forward for the Capitals. This season, he’s running the show instead of the floor as the new head coach.
Following the game Johnson said he still had work to do on the final roster, and was planning on reviewing the game film putting some thought in before the season begins at the end of February.
The Capitals start the season with three games in Newfoundland, Canada, against the Rogues on Feb. 22, 24 and 25. Their first home game is March 10 when they host the Rogues.
Perhaps the most noticeable new face at the Armory belonged to the Capitals new mascot Noble. His name is a reminder that he’s an ox, not a bull.