MARIETTA, GA - One of the best things about showcase events is the undercard. The games are generally always intense, sleepers generally always emerge and we tend to always learn something new. That was certainly the case at the adidas Xplosion on Saturday. 

LEE (AL) 87, JENKINS 82

The Lee Generals came back to Georgia with a point to prove after taking a loss to Greenforest at the Jared Cook Classic in late November. They proved that point by getting a big win over the defending AAA state champion Jenkins Warriors.

Lee (AL) was led by the trio of forward Tracy Burnett and guards Malik Burnett and Ashton Ray, who combined for 48 points (20, 19, and 19 respectively).

The Generals had a substantial double-digit lead for most of the game, and then Jenkins point guard Zion Williams started cooking in the fourth quarter. Williams led a late Jenkins surge by scoring 23 of his 39 points in the final quarter. However, it was not enough to overcome the Lee trio and some clutch Tracy Burnett free throws down the stretch.

PEACHTREE RIDGE 74, KELL 70

Peachtree Ridge is a team that is still learning about itself and how to replace key pieces like Aaron Augustin and Jay Estime. So how does a team do that? Balance.

Balance was they name of the game for the Lions at Adidas Xplosion in the win over Kell. They got double-figure scoring efforts from Milz Tatum, Connor Heyward, Markel McCollum, and Kris Collins en route to the win.

However, points in the paint did not come easy for anyone on the Peachtree Ridge side. Kell junior big man Brian Thomas was patrolling the paint as he blocked eight shots and altered seven more. Thomas also added fifteen points and twelve rebounds as he flirted with a triple double. He was very impressive in the loss for Kell.

SACA 66, SAVANNAH JOHNSON 63

Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy junior wing Deaundrae Ballard scored 29 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and handed out four assists in a 66-63 win over Savannah Johnson.

With Florida head coach Mike White and Alabama on hand with a full staff, Ballard impressed. Georgia, Iowa State, Stanford and Virginia Commonwealth were also in town for the game to see Ballard.

We profiled Ballard two weeks ago on the site. He continues to live up to his billing as a top 50 national prospect and one of the most intriguing players in the loaded 2017 class in the state of Georgia.