Opening night of the 2021 Bob Gibbons Invitational didn't disappoint in any way. From start to finish, players from all around competed to make their presence felt on day one. Check out my roundup from Friday night.

Hawks Elite 17U Is One Balanced Squad

This HoopSeen Association squad put together one of the more dominating performances on the night, leading by as much as 18 points late in the second half en-route to a double-digit win over the Q6 All-Stars.

Five players put up at least nine points for the group. Alex Steen, who will play his senior year at Arnold High in Panama City, Florida, said that his team wanted to set that tone from the gate.

"We came out and we played good team ball, we were looking for each other, we just wanted to win," Steen said.

And "look", they did.

Corey Stevenson led all with 14 points, while Steen put up 10 of his own. Edward Witherington, Dresean Knight & Patrick Shelley all chipped-in nine points of their own.

"I felt like we were all focused coming into this," Knight said emphatically. "We just came to play."

It's easier to play well when you know your efforts will somehow be noticed. Knight said that his coaches do a great job of putting him and his teammates in-front of the right eyes. It's beginning to pay off as all four are looking to make that transition from high school to college after their 2021-22 senior season is behind them.

Stevenson has received an offer from Alabama State. UCF has shown some interest as well. Steen has received interest from West Florida, Mercer, Air Force and few others. Knight has also received an offer from Alabama State, and has interest from Virginia Tech, North Alabama, South Alabama, Drake, Grambling State.

Witherington, who is just getting back in the swing after ending soccer season, has interest from UPenn, Columbia, Flagler, Ohio, and Youngstown State.

Alabama Fusion Duo Combines For Half Team's Points

The chemistry may be even deeper given that Dexter Smith & Jacari Lane both play on the same travel & high school team, but that same chemistry makes for a great tandem basketball on the floor.

The two 2022 Lee (AL) hoopers have banded together to play for the Alabama Fusion, and believe me--they are a handful to contain. In their 60-48 win over Florida Pro, the pair combined for 30 points on the night. Lane put up 16 points. Smith, or "Butta" as his team calls him, put up 14.

They both spoke about how hustling for loose balls, playing tough, and playing great helpside defense led to the W. With a limited amount of help on the bench, it's imperative that everyone steps up immensely.

"We only got eight players, so everyone has to give 110% and give it their all when they get on the court," Lane said.

Butta has a few offers from Old Dominion, Norlfolk State, Hampton, Bryant University. He's earned interest from FSU, Georgia Tech, and a couple others. Smith has one offer from Alabama State, and interest from The Citadel & Wofford.

All-Alabama Forces OT, Gets OT Game-Winner

This 17U Alabama squad had their foot on the gas the entire game vs. Game Elite Blue. But, late in the second half, G.E. came alive & earned a three-point lead with a few ticks remaining while A.A. had the ball.

The first three was about halfway down before it rimmed-out, but found the hands of Tamarcus Judkins. Judkins, while double-teamed, banked in a three from the wing to set up overtime.

While tied at 62 with a few seconds left, Ryan Wilson found himself in the paint working for a bucket to get a win--and he did. 64-62, 'Bama got the dub.

Up 12 with just a few minutes left, players admit that they had to refocus before letting it all slip.

"We had to come together, get back to our groove, and get back to what was working," Judkins said.

Chris Thompson, who led all with 12 points, said that they let Game Elite get back into the game after failing to rebound for a stretch. Ezekiel Spann agreed wholeheartedly.

"We got laid back ... and then we had to lock back in and take over that game," Spann said after a 10-point night.

Spann has received interest from Georgia Southern, Nicholls State, and a couple others. Ryan Wilson has interest from Shelton State Community College in Louisiana.

For Cameron White, who finished with 10 points and has no interest, his formula for garnering attention is simple.

"I need to be more of a leader. I need to be more vocal."