MLK Dream Challenge: Starting Five

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The MLK Dream Challenge tipped off Monday at Maynard Jackson High School, delivering a full slate of eight games and a deep field of college prospects. The event showcased high-level competition, highlighted by several of the state's top talents, especially from the 2028 class. Below is a look at the standout performers from Monday's action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2436946"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6972b4c4f2acb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In a matchup featuring two of the nation's top prospects, Williams' Chargers came up short, but the sophomore wing delivered the most impressive performance of the day, pouring in 32 points in defeat. The 6-foot-7 wing scored at all three levels and was often forced to generate offense on his own, consistently carrying the load. More than just a scorer, Williams showed willingness and vision as a passer, further reinforcing why he looks every bit the part of one of the top prospects in the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2436947"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6972b4c4f2b50"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It was Lusakeno's War Eagles who came away with the win Monday night, and the 6-foot-9 forward turned in one of his most productive performances of the season, finishing with 19 points and four blocks. The sophomore glides up and down the floor, using his length to score efficiently around the rim while also anchoring the defense. He plays with an advanced feel for the game and a high basketball IQ, and as his body continues to develop physically, his overall impact and ceiling should continue to rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2194503"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697376c9d97bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The super sophomore was outstanding for the OTE City Reapers in a win over Wilson Academy. The lefty controlled the game from the point guard position, showing the ability to impact the game as both a scorer—finishing with 18 points—and a distributor. He plays with sudden quickness, and once he gets past defenders, he displays a diverse finishing package in the lane. With his feel, pace, and playmaking ability, Johnson has a strong chance to emerge as one of the nation's top lead guards in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"David Williams","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Maynard Jackson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='2400631' first='Atlanta' last='Kings']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697376c9d9882"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the stock risers of the day was Williams who score 19 points, including five three point fields goals in a loss to Decatur. The junior has high level quickness, good command of the basketball and can create space off the bounce for his offense. He shot the ball very well and looks like a member of the 2027 class who is trending up this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2528158"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697376c9d98e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another standout from the 2028 class on Monday was Hayes, who scored 18 points for the War Eagles in a win over ELCA. The sophomore delivered a couple of high-flying finishes, but it was his perimeter shooting and decision-making that stood out most. Hayes continues to grow more comfortable and confident from beyond the arc, while also making positive plays on the defensive end. With his trajectory and skill set, the ceiling is very high for this young prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->