SUWANEE, GA - Pool play came to an end and teams made sure they positioned themselves to finish up with the best possible spot in the Best of the South bracket play, which starts Saturday.

Robert Alfonso Jr. emptied out his notebook as several new faces in Georgia jumped onto the scene. A team from the Caribbean looking for opportunities in the United States. Also, other players making themsleves be known to the college coaches in attendance.

#BeSEEN Player of the Day: Tyrone Sam

While so many players are gaining all the attention from a number of college programs, Sam decided to quietly pour in a tournament best 30 points on Day 2.

The Roswell High product is a member of the North Atlanta Stingrays filled up from everywhere on the floor. Look for this sleeper to catch some eyes this season.

Bahamian exodus

The Bahamas motto is “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together.” They may want to add Driven to it.

Two years ago, the Bahamas Jaguars decided to put together a travel team program together as a way to help their players get of the Caribbean island to pursue their education and basketball teams. This is the reason they are at the Best of the South.

“Our main goal is to get our kids some exposure,” Jaguars coach Darrell Sears said. “We have to start over every year.”

The Jaguars are forced to start over every year because the players on the roster are either freshman or sophomores. Once they come over to the United States for events, many of them get the opportunity to finish high school here. This in turn leads to more collegiate opportunities. The players pursuing educational and playing opportunities in the states is a testament to the Jaguars success. Aside from coming over for showcase events, there is the Darrell Sears Basketball Showcase at St. George’s High School in Freeport, Bahamas during the April Live period, which is a certified by the NCAA.

Some players who were part of the program playing here in the states are Wichita State’s Kadeem Coleby, a 6-foot-9 senior center and sibling Mississippi signee Dwight Coleby, a 6-foot-9 power forward. Both finished their prep careers in the states after leaving the island.

This team has several players looking to follow in their footsteps. Charles Bain is a 6-foot-7 freshman with plenty of length. Point guard Keno Russell, a sophomore, has a solid first step and can get to the basket at will. Then there is 6’8 Shaquillo Fritz who is skilled enough to change the game on both ends of the floor.

“When we make this sacrifice to come over here, it’s for the kids,” Sears said.

Now that’s drive.

Play of the Day

Florida Tarheels have required maintenance to tight up the rims on Court 1 when Antwon Clayton elevated for the dunk of Day 2.

The 6-foot-6 Eustis High product elevated and hammered down a poster style over an opponent who should have reconsidered trying to defend one of Florida’s best high jumpers.

Recruiting news

Aim High’s Eric Lockett holds offers from Middle Tennessee State, George Mason, Mercer, UAB, Pennsylvania and Troy.

Colleges continue to be impressed with Isaiah Wilkins (pictured). The Georgia Stars product picked up two offers recently from Clemson and Florida State. Stock continues to rise.

CJ Jackson of Aim High had no offers entering the July. After solid performances at BOTS, the Olympic High product was offered by Pfieffer University. Memphis, Middle Tennessee State, Jacksonville and North Florida have inquired.

Tidbits

Albert Hansborough III showed there is some consistency in his jumper for the 3T All-Stars. The Centennial High sophomore scored 14 points, which included three 3-pointers. … Antwan Bevans, of the Bahamas Jaguars, is a 6-foot-5 workhorse who lived around the basket for 19 points. He has great hands and is not afraid of contact. … Alabama Elite won its pool and are moving into bracket play to continue its quest for a BOTS championship. They will play Upward Stars Charlotte. Through pool play, Ethan Stair is averaging 20 points per game. Dalton Barkley is pouring in 15 points per. ... Malcolm Stegall from Aim High caught some attention after shooting the ball well. This Wheeler High product will continue to open some eyes as he continues to play well.