SUWANEE – Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions tournament attracts some of the best teams from all over the country. However, most are Southeastern teams who have built a reputable reputation.

Well, those teams will push toward a championship but her are some teams that will open enough eyes and don’t be surprised if any of these Georgia teams are hoisting a trophy next Sunday as a Gibbons champion.

Team Impact

For years, this Cobb County-based organization has always been an intriguing team. They were well coached, organized and played with a passion that was refreshing. After getting to the finals of the KnoxVegas (TN) Invitational, teams have found out exactly how good this team was and its players.

One player creating plenty of buzz was Hunter Ware. The 6-foot-1 point guard had a breakout performance through to the finals. He is a leader and loves the spotlight. Several college programs have expressed interest in the North Cobb Christian junior and many more will need to keep an eye on this one.

Ware is not the only player who made an Impact (pun intended). Stephon Jelks (pictured), Keyshawn Butts, Elijah Weems and Aaron Bailey helped carved their names into the minds of many after Knoxville.

Smyrna Stars

Winning the 17U KnoxVegas championship was not easy for this Cobb County-based squad. The Stars had to navigate a gauntlet of familiar competitors in Game Elite, Team United, and Game Elite before beating Team Impact.

Emerging from this tournament propelled Smyrna into the forefront of teams to watch. College programs have called coach Gary Graham about who was on the roster. Two players he mentioned immediately are Cameron Johnson Jr and Xavier Kelly.

Johnson is a 6-foot-3 two-sport athlete from Clark Central High School. He is hardnosed player with a good face-up game and stellar in the open court. Johnson is a natural leader capable of being a difference at any mid-level program. Kelly orchestrated the offense for the Stars. The South Carolina native handled pressure and found his way to the basket for the Stars.

Atlanta All-Stars

This is a program that is like a big puzzle. Every player brings its own unique style and game to the organization. After getting to the Final Four at an AAU qualifier in Birmingham last weekend, the pieces are coming together at a good pace for the All-Stars.

Collectively they all bring something different to the table. All the guys are good kids and are coachable. Lately, college programs from the Atlantic Sun, Conference USA, Ohio Valley, Summit, Naval Academy and West Point have all called about the players on the All-Stars roster because they understand each one brings a different quality that is then meshed with the team. It is exactly what a college coach is looking for on the recruiting trail.

Nick Harris is a 6-foot-9 player with plenty of potential and length. He is a solid defender who challenges shots and can guard on the perimeter. Harris also has a solid basketball IQ. Look for interest to pick up as college coaches see him on the circuit.

Manning the point for the All-Stars is Devin Peterson, while Corey Torbin is a 6-foot-4 shooter. These guys are meshing well early.

Stackhouse Elite

Team chemistry is this teams most essential component, which is the strong point for this Gwinnett-based program. Most of the team’s players attend North Gwinnett High School.

TJ Howard is the team’s floor general on both teams. He had a strong performance throughout his sophomore prep season and is expected to have it carry over during the summer circuit. Teammates Kam Calhoun, Owen Lewis and Ahmed Carver are familiar with one another.

However, non-basketball fans may want to become familiar with a name Brandon Ingram. The 6-foot-7 forward is long and rangy with a soft touch. He is from Kingston, North Carolina, which is the hometown of Jerry Stackhouse, who sponsors the team. Ingram is a prospect that has attracted the attention of a number of schools already. More will make sure to put them on the must-see list during the Tournament of Champions.

Vanguard Elite

If there is any team that is not afraid of any competition this one may be at the top of the list.

Many of these players are driven by the fact of being overlooked or undervalued. They are not sponsored or seen as a threat until they lace them up. When that happens understand this – you will be in a dogfight from the opening tip. Vanguard had solid showings in the first two events, which included winning its pool during the Real Deal on the Rock in Arkansas.

One of the names to emerge from the Rock was Hassani Gravitt. He will set the tempo and keep defenders on their heels. Mark Champion, who is headed to a prep school this Fall, is filling it up from the perimeter. Zach Hodskins will play with relentless passion from the guard spot. Christian Harrison is the athletic gem on the team.