SUWANEE – The Final Four isn't the only tournament in town this weekend.  Many of the country's best high school travel teams elected to play their first travel team tournament this weekend and many of them found themselves playing within 25 miles of the Georgia Dome (this year's site for the Final Four).  The Norman Parker Elite Showcase at Suwanee Sports Academy certainly had a number of aspiring players hoping to make it to the Final Four one day themselves. 

For many teams this first event of April kicks off a long and grueling season of travel basketball and is the first chance to come together to develop some team continuity.

Stars, Xpress teams rolling through the 17U bracket

As two of the more notable travel teams in Georgia, the Stars Elite and Xpress were playing in their respective organizations first event of the year. However, the way both teams played its looks like they are just getting ready to gel with one another as well.

Both teams went undefeated in pool play. The Stars Select (RD) also finished went through their pool flawless.

Atlanta Xpress had to edge out the Stars Select (KI) 63-60. Xpress’ Michael Tucker and Trayvon Reed helped hold off the relentless Stars. Tucker, who is headed to prep school in the fall, finished with a team-high 17 points. He attacked and really put pressure on the Stars. Reed towered in the middle with his 7-foot frame making it difficult on the defense. He finished with 10 points.

The Stars were relentless on both ends of the floor. Keith Ray led the offensive attack. He scored a game-high 26 points, including a four-point play to pull the Stars to within a basket. This was not enough to derail the Xpress.

The Stars Elite also showed it is geared to have a solid summer. Many of last year’s members are still on the roster with Tadric Jackson and Will Jackson to name a few. They also have some new faces that will help the program this summer and make a name for themselves on the circuit.

First, let’s talk about Tadric Jackson, a rising senior. He was all over the floor making athletic moves while dominating opposing guards. In the teams three games he was averaging about 15 points a game. Second, Noah Dickerson is one of the new faces on this Stars team. The Class of 2015 post player showed some athleticism and elusive skills in critical moments. Dickerson is averaging a double-double for the weekend.