OTR Hoops – The Dream Challenge Recap – January 18, 2024
The Dream Challenge took place at Maynard Jackson on Monday, hosting some of the best teams from metro Atlanta. College coaches lined the baseline as top prospects went toe to toe. Pace certainly made a statement in their afternoon matchup with Hiram and Greenforest was able to keep their hot streak alive against a loaded Mt. Vernon squad. Here we break down the best individual performances of the day.
By: Staff
Eric Chatfield – 5’11 – PG – Pace Academy – 2025
After a scare on Saturday, Pace Academy came out with a vengeance on Monday. Eric Chatfield was the focal point of the offense and everything ran smoothly through him. Chatfield is a playmaking guard with three-level scoring ability and deep range. He was especially effective in the mid-range on Monday, connecting on a handful of stop and pop jumpers. He has picked up offers from Southern Indiana, Richmond, and St. Bonaventure since the start of the season.
Walter Matthews – 6’7 – F/C – Hiram – 2024
Matthews is back in basketball mode and once again providing high-level production. He was a bright spot for Hiram on Monday, putting up 18 points and grabbing a ton of boards along the way. He’s a star tight end on the football field so his soft hands really come in handy around the paint and he is a threat to throw down a powerful two-hand slam. The strong interior play that Matthews provides will be huge for Hiram as they will try to make another deep run.
Caleb Kawela – 6’5 – PF – Greenforest – 2024
Greenforest is one of the hottest teams in the state right now. They extended their winning streak to eight as they took down Mt. Vernon. Kawela was the difference down the stretch. He hit some huge buckets late to put it away. He carried Greenforest through the 3rd quarter, scoring all 12 of the Eagles points. Despite being a bit undersized, Kawela’s blue-collar game is effective in the paint. When he does step out to the perimeter, he shoots the three-ball well. Kawela is the kind of guy that contributes to a culture and small school programs should be vying for his services.
KJ Garris – 6’4 – CG – Mt. Vernon – 2025
Time after time, Garris has shown up on the big stages and Monday was no different. Mt. Vernon was not able to come out with the win, but they could not have asked more out of the junior wing. He finished with 31 points to lead all scorers and carried Mt. Vernon in the 2nd half. Garris loves to get downhill, and he was getting fouled consistently. He made it count when got to the line as well. He currently holds a handful of D-1 offers and should be a popular name throughout the spring and summer.
Chris Morris – 6’4 – SF – Eagle’s Landing – 2024
Eagle’s Landing came away with a terrific win over a talented Wilson Academy team. Morris earned player of the game honors in the victory. Morris finished with 18 points to lead Eagle’s Landing with 10 of those in the final quarter. He had some huge buckets down the stretch but none bigger than a one-hand jam with 40 seconds left to make it a two-possession game. Morris is a strong, athletic wing that crashes the boards hard and attacks with aggression. Eagle’s Landing seems to be finding their stride and the play of Chris Morris is a big reason why.
