Some of the top AAU organizations across the country assembled at Suwanee Sports Academy for opening night of the prestigious Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions. Several teams and prospects distanced themselves from the rest of Friday.

Here are the Friday night storylines from Garrett Tucker…

SOUTHEAST ELITE HAS ELITE SLEEPERS

Southeast Elite may be one of the premiere programs of the Southeast, but they still have a handful of hidden gems on their squad this year. Three talented sleepers auditioned for their spotlight Friday night.

Kevin Morris, a 6-foot-8 big man from Dothan (AL), made his mark by rebounding the basketball. With his size and build, Morris can dominate the boards. He boasts a 3.4 GPA and a 24 ACT. That will make him popular for low-major and mid-major coaches. Cornell, Samford, Troy, Middle Tennessee State, and UL-Monroe have offered.

He may be a little undersized, but 2016 PF Shamarkus Kennedy made his presence known from the tip. The 6-foot-7 forward is a shot-blocking machine with his length and jumping ability. Kennedy plays like he is constantly attached to a pogo stick.

While the aforementioned players did very well, 2016 combo guard Deric Patton shined above the rest. The 6-foot-1 guard is an athletic freak, as he kept fans on the edge of their seat with his jumping and high-flying dunks. Patton knows how to score the basketball and is one of the South’s best secrets.

HEAT CHECK TORCHES THE NETS

Heat Check has become known for their shooting, in part because of 2016 sharpshooter Jordan Lyons. While he did hit a pair of 3s and finished with 18 points, another name stole the shooting show for the Georgia squad.

Oak Hill’s Dylan Curry finished with 19 points, including five 3s. The 6-foot-3 shooter scored efficiently from deep. Several low major programs are interested.

UPWARD STARS SOUTHEAST HAS THE BIG MEN

A couple of under-the-radar big men played well in the opening round of #Gibbons for Upward Stars Southeast.

Chavez Goodwin, a 6-foot-8 stretch 4 man, showed off several different aspects of his game. He hit some perimeter shots to go along with his impressive skill level. Charleston Southern and College of Charleston have extended offers to the Hammond (SC) big man, but that number should increase in the future.

Another big man that had a good showing for the South Carolina squad was 6-foot-7 power forward James Lewis Jr. The Gaston Day (NC) product showcased great hands and a soft touch around the rim. He still has a ways to go with his game, but he is one to watch out for as the weekend progresses.