Elite survive near upset, Xpress fall late, names to know from #Gibbons
SUWANEE – Upsets are meant to happen during any tournament with bracket play.
Normally, these usually come in the middle of Day 2 of any tournament. However, most teams tend to hold on and avoid being bounced. This was not always the case for teams at the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions on Saturday at Suwanee Sports Academy.
Two teams – the Florida Elite and Atlanta Xpress – had different fates in the second round of games. The Elite needed double overtime and a free throw by Dante Buford to beat the Elite 74-73. Buford, Brandon Francis and Mitchell Wilbekin had 19 points apiece in the victory.
Ball control and structure and patients kept PSB Select in the game. Rusty Reigel led the Florida-based organization with 17 points. Connor Burchfield added 15 while Jordan Watkins added 13.
The Express were not as fortunate as it lost to Xpress United in a game dominated by guards. Temarcus Blanton was stellar on the teams defeat.
Here are some things noticed on Day 2:
Courtney Alexander II (Courtney Alexander GA Press) had a solid day. He is a sleeper at 6-foot-7 from Dominion Christian. Alexander’s development must be watched over time on this 2015 prospect.
Jayln Patterson (Atlanta Celtics Glover) plays the point guard spot like a musical composure. He is poised, under control and has leadership. Playing at Montverde Academy for a season and winning the National championship has helped the Atlanta native.
Jorge Perez-Laham (Gold Coast) is an unsigned senior who continues to catch the eyes of several coaches. They see a left-handed floor general with the toughness of a tenacious bull. He is also calm in running the team.
Khalen Pinkett (Georgia Stars Davis) is a heady guard with a big heart. He is a gritty defender with a knack of scoring. Pinkett sees angles on both ends of the floor.