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The Overtime Elite (OTE) season is officially upon us!
With FAZE (Dynamic Prep), YNG Dreamerz (Moravian Prep), Blue Checks (Combine Academy), Diamond Doves (PHH Prep), Jelly Fam (Our Saviour Lutheran), and Fear of God Athletics (Calvary Christian) kicking off the season in Phoenix and New York last weekend, it was time for Atlanta based OTE Academy fixtures RWE, Cold Hearts, and City Reapers to tip their season.
Overtime Elite: From Phoenix to Atlanta!
We took in the initial games in Phoenix at the Phhacility and made the venture to Midtown Atlanta to observe the OTE Season Opener.
Held at the state-of-the-art OTE Arena in Midtown Atlanta, the opening weekend was just as much about community as it was about the games. The arena was sold out for opening night with an unbelievably kid friendly atmosphere that offered games, trick-or-treating, sign making, and more.
The electric environment also provided an elite level of basketball, with players exerting playoff-level effort in late October. The defending champion YNG Dreamerz (Moravian Prep) continued to cruise with two wins on the weekend, taking them to 4-0 on the year. Across all teams, there were at least 45 future Division 1 players with elite level coaching and spirited competition in Atlanta.
Having already looked at a number of the top performers, here are a few of the players who certainly boosted their stock with outstanding showings throughout the OTE Opening Weekend:
Caleb Jones, 6’4, SG, YNG Dreamerz (North Carolina), 2026
There hasn’t been a player in OTE who has helped himself more over the first two weeks of the season than Caleb Jones. A lights out shooter from Savannah, the senior showed that he is effective getting his own shot with limited dribbles and can kill you once he gets to his spots on the wings. Caleb is leading OTE in scoring at 33.2 points per game over the first two weeks and has Florida International hot on him recruiting wise.
Asher Elson, 6’11, PF, OTE Cold Hearts (Georgia), 2026
One of the best shooting bigs left on the board, Asher Elson showed why he has become such a priority recruit with his ability to play inside and out at OTE. What you have in the New York native is a forward with effortless 3-point range who can put the ball on the deck against slower defenders, yet also provides an interior presence as a shot blocker defensively. Elson has narrowed his list to Xavier, Syracuse, Maryland, and Auburn with no decision date set for the immediate future.
Ty Sutton, 6’2, PG, OTE City Reapers (Georgia), 2028
One of the few sophomores in Overtime Elite, Ty Sutton proved that he was one of the top playmakers. The elite point guard has an unbelievable change of pace, constantly had his head on a swivel, and can play roles as both a catalyst or scorer from the lead guard spot. Next up out of Philly, Ty posted averages of 16 points, 9 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 steals during the opening weekend.
Alan Shi, 6’10, C, OTE Cold Hearts (Georgia), 2026
There aren’t many more big men who bring more sheer physicality in OTE than Alan Shi of the Cold Hearts. The brute big man controls his area on the glass, sets absolutely massive screens, and is quite nimble with his footwork as a finisher. The Boston area big is a high academic prospect who is one of the better posts left on the board in OTE.
Blaze Johnson, 6’4, PG/SG, OTE City Reapers (Georgia), 2028
Yet another one of the elite sophomores in OTE, Blaze Johnson left no doubt in anyone’s mind at the OTE arena that he could produce with the best at either guard spot. The lefty is an unbelievable finisher through contact, has crafty finishes with either hand, and is a capable 3-point shooter with his feet set. The Atlanta native just keeps improving and is definitely playing the part of a five star member of the class of 2028.
Clyde Walters, 6’7, SF, OTE RWE (Georgia), 2027
As far as long term prospects in the junior class are concerned, Clyde Walters reminded every one of the massive upside he possesses with his play for RWE. While he didn’t put up huge numbers, the defensive versatility, ability to knock down open threes, and change the game with his athleticism make him incredibly intriguing. The Birmingham product already holds a half dozen high major offers and is a priority recruit for Syracuse.
