The 6-foot-5 Matthews possesses the kind of explosive, high-major athleticism that keeps baselines packed with videographers. A Delaware native who spent last season at DME Academy in Florida, he steps into a central role for a revamped Mt. Zion program, which is consolidating into a single national roster this year in a departure from its traditional high school and post-graduate structure.

A lethal weapon in transition, Matthews operates comfortably above the rim on both ends of the floor, routinely swooping in from the weak side defensively to swat away shots. That elite bounce, coupled with a high-octane motor, allows him to impact the game across multiple facets. With his blend of physical tools, defensive versatility, and athletic traits, Matthews is a high-upside prospect with the ceiling to develop into an impactful, multi-positional contributor at the Division I level.

Matthews made it clear from Mt. Zion’s opening game that he was going to relentlessly attack the rim. In the with over DeMatha to start the day, Matthews was a frequent charity stripe visitor because of his aggression getting downhill and bulldozing whoever stepped in his way. Set to make a big jump inside of the top 10 when the rankings are updated, what makes Matthews so difficult to defend his explosive first step that can lead to big time finishes above the rim, but when the defender can anticipate the first couple of moves, Matthews has the imposing upper body strength to move guys off their spots with bumps while maintaining body control to finish the shots through harm. He made a couple of highlight reel blocks both as the on-ball defender or as he rotated over from the weak side, keeping his body away from the offensive player while airborne to avoid the foul.

Matthews is making a real case to enter the top three of the 2028 MD/DC rankings with his play this fall. He seems to be finding his role as the alpha for this Mt. Zion Prep team fairly easily and he’s able to showcase all the aspects of his game within their system and style. Known for his supreme athleticism, Matthews has done an outstanding job progressing as an off the dribble threat and growing as a jump shooter. At this point, his shot is more consistent from the mid range than three, but make no mistake, he’s no longer the ‘dunk only threat’ when he’s on the floor. With time and space he can confidently bury three’s and usually does so when the Warriors need it most. He dominated the glass throughout Mt. Zion’s 4-0 showing, had his moments jumping the passing lanes and even slid over from the weak side a couple of times to draw charges.

It’s no surprise that more P5 programs are starting to join the sweepstakes with offers.

Matthews is a player I first saw at the 15 U UAA championship with WeR1 and he stood out with his athleticism and aggressive style of play. Matthews is one of the best dunkers in the class and can make some wild jump pass assists on his drives. The lefty is a dominant transition athlete and his play has earned him offers from Pitt, Seton Hall, Georgetown, Maryland, Mississippi State and more already with more likely on the way soon. With a move to Mt Zion prep, Matthews will be even more in the spotlight.

A downstate Delaware native returning to the region after a year at DME Academy (FL), Matthews is leading a revamped Mt. Zion lineup and was effective in both games on Saturday with his extensive physical gifts and evolving offensive skillset. Known initially for his motor and athleticism, Matthews certainly showed off his bread and butter with a series of tough finishes around the basket. Where he showed the most notable signs of continued growth was with his confidence and efficiency as a jump shooter, both off the catch from the perimeter and as a faceup scorer from the midrange. Matthews also shows some sneaky passing ability once the defense keys in on him. Overall the southpaw is among the more physically gifted forwards in the region with his burgeoning skill starting to elevate him onto high-major radars.

A skilled and aggressive combo forward, Matthews excels attacking the rim and getting to his spots in the mid-range. He’s a good mid-range shooter who understands how to create scoring opportunities for himself, while also bringing value on the glass. He’s deceptively athletic and has some rip-and-run ability after securing rebounds. Matthews is capable from three as well, although his passing and overall decision-making still need to become more consistent.

The rise for Matthews becoming one of the more sought after 2028s in the region has begun. With an offer from Maryland coming in yesterday, expect more P5 programs to make the trip to Mt. Zion to get eyes on the 6-foot-6 athletic southpaw wing. He made the move back north after spending a season at DME Academy (FL) and will be the most athletic prospect playing in the Elite Prep League as well as a marquee name on The Grind Session when all is said and done. His reputation as an athlete is no surprise, but the improved confidence and touch on his jumper from mid-range off the bounce and from three off the catch is what will take his game to new heights. Mt. Zion put forth an impressive 2-0 showing with wins over The Patrick School (NJ) and Imhotep (PA) with Matthews being the lead guy in both victories.

Matthews makes his way to the DMV by way of DME Academy (FL), but is familiar with the area as a Delaware native who has built the reputation as an elite athlete. The 6-foot-5 southpaw wing was set to suit up for the Mt. Zion Prep HS team coached by Lafayette Dublin, but Dublin had accepted a coaching position with Texas Southern University a couple weeks back and now the prep team has taken on some of the HS team’s elite prospects. Matthews quickly becomes a focal point for Rod Harrison’s group and will bring athletic prowess to both ends of the floor. He’s a rim abuser, rebounding presence and continues to show strides with his jumper off the catch, which will ultimately be the swing skill for him climbing up into the top five of these rankings as well as how he’ll project towards the HM level.

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.