Matthews looks to make a splash with his move to Mt. Zion Prep (National) playing on The Grind Session with his explosive athleticism as a southpaw wing. Making his way from DME Academy (FL) after starring at Seaford HS (DE), Matthews now looks to be a focal point for head coach Lafayette Dublin and prove that he’s more than just a high-flyer. He brings a slew of valuable defensive tools and has improved his on-ball creation as well as the consistency with his jumper. The jumper will ultimately be the swing skill, but for the immediate he’ll be able to leave his fingerprints all over the game with his ability to impact the rim at both ends and his positional versatility between the 2-4.

Matthews makes his way to the DMV by way of DME Academy in Florida, but spent his first two seasons playing in Delaware, so the move isn’t at drastic. The ultra-athletic wing will provide plenty energy, versatility and pop to head coach Lafayette Dublin’s revamped roster as they look to embark on yet another national schedule this winter.

Matthews makes his way to MD/DC after spending his sophomore season at DME Academy (FL). The Delaware native has been a prospect on regional and national radars now due to his supreme athleticism and versatility as a wing as he can toggle between multiple positions, impact the game defensively around the rim and put on a show in the open floor with an array of high-flying finishes. All of which were on display throughout DMV Live in his first action locally suiting up for his new program in Mt. Zion Prep (National) where he had some loud outings that resulted in receiving offers from Georgetown and Seton Hall.

Aside from the twitchy and explosive athleticism, which he used to block shots and play above the rim, Matthews showcased his prowess as a secondary playmaker. Off of defensive boards and steals, he orchestrated transition offense by going from end-to-end for two or by kicking the ball ahead to get the assist. Matthews also created for others out of horns sets and other quick action by catching the ball at the elbow and hitting a cutter or kicking to a 3-point shooter. And when someone swung the ball his way on the perimeter, Matthew drained a couple threes of his own.

Now at Mt. Zion Prep playing under Lafayette Dublin, Matthews will be one of top pure athletes in attendance at DMV Live. He’s an active wing to gets his eyes above the rim in the open floor on lobs or straight-line drives, can cause havoc on the defensive end with his physical traits and instincts all while bringing a competitive motor that forces your attention. This Mt. Zion group will feature a lot of new faces, so working out the chemistry kinks could be rough at times, but in an uptempo game where Matthews’ athleticism can take centerstage, it’ll be likely he’s a name that ends up with an asterisk in the college coaches packet by Sunday.

Tasked with playing with five, Matthews was everywhere all the time versus Him League P32. He fervently crashed the boards on both ends, orchestrating transition offense after defensive rebounds. In the halfcourt, he applied pressure on the rim as a roller and a slasher and finished high in the air when he got there. And Matthews did all of that while protecting the basket and not coming off the floor until late in the game.

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A Top-30 all-star choice who figures to at least have been among the short list of contenders for camp MVP, Matthews made the most of his homecoming trip with a dynamic effort on both ends of the floor. A Delaware native heading down to DME as a repeat sophomore, the southpaw hybrid forward was all over the court wreaking havoc with his top-end intersection of size, length, foot speed, and vertical explosiveness. He was a force playing above the rim as both a dunker and shot-blocker, but also showed some improvements in his overall skillset including most notably on his perimeter jumper. While still a bit raw in some areas, Matthews’ ability to consistently impact games with his motor and athletic gifts should make him a popular name among D1 coaches in the years to come.

Matthews built off what I saw him do in July with the same physicality he brought to the table during the live periods. He has the ability be go coast to coast off the bounce and defenders struggle to keep him in front of them. He has a great blend of physical tools and gifts which he showcases often when he steps foot onto the floor. You cannot keep him out of the paint. He is always in the right spots to collect rebounds. I would like to see Matthews improve from the charity stripe.

Matthews makes his living battering his way to different spots on the attack. He is like a battering ram. He has no issues seeking out contact when he is on the attack. Matthews is a magnet on the glass and frequently found ways to get rebounds. He is a versatile defender who is switchable and covers different positions. Matthews has good timing when going up to alter shots.

An impressive athlete from the power forward position, Matthews is very explosive and can play above the rim. Sitting in the dunker spot or attacking a closeout were two ways Matthews got shots up at the rim. Matthews wanted to get back to his left hand to finish by using crossovers and spin moves to finish with his left hand. More developed physically than a lot of other players at the 15 U group, Matthews is tough to stop on the interior at this level.