The 2025-26 Overtime Elite season is officially underway. The league, which allows players to receive NIL money while playing high school hoops, provides an elite opportunity for student athletes dissimilar to those of traditional high schools. OTE has three teams (RWE, Cold Hearts, and City Reapers) based in Atlanta, living and training nonstop at the OTE arena while also receiving a legitimate education.
Other schools such as Calvary Christian (FL), Combine Academy (NC), Dynamic Prep (TX), PHH Prep (AZ), Moravian Prep (NC), and Our Saviour Lutheran (NY) round out the nine-team league that is absolutely loaded with D1 and future NBA talent.
The opening weekend games took place in both Phoenix and New York City, with the non-OTE Academy squads flying across the country to get some early-season run against one another. We opted to take in the Phoenix games, which provided no shortage of intrigue.
Hosts Diamond Doves (PHH Prep) brought in defending champion YNG Dreamerz (Moravian Prep), first year member FAZE (Dynamic Prep), and the gritty Blue Checks (Combine Academy). Games were heated, viral social media clips were made, and several super talented players put on a show.
Here are the top performers that we saw at the OTE Phoenix Opening Weekend:’
Isaac Ellis, 6’1, PG, Moravian Prep YNG Dreamerz (North Carolina), 2026
The catalyst of the YNG Dreamerz, Isaac Ellis totally controlled the tempo of the game in his squad’s fast paced offense while maintaining his own presence as a scoring threat. The future South Carolina Gamecocks point guard constantly threw defenders off with his meticulous ability to change speeds, got the ball up the floor in a hurry to scorers in their sweet spots, and utilized his ability to shoot the ball from deep to open up the rest of his game.
Ellis posted averages of 19.5 points, 9.5 assists, and 4.5 steals throughout Moravian Prep’s victories over Dynamic Prep FAZE and PHH Prep Diamond Doves in the OTE Season Opener.
Marcus Spears Jr., 6’8, PF, Dynamic Prep FAZE (Texas), 2027
Despite FAZE falling in their OTE debut game, it certainly wasn’t due to the play of ESPN’s No. 1-ranked 2027 Marcus Spears Jr. The versatile lefty forward brought his usual defensive tenacity at a multitude of positions, was automatic with his mid-range pull-up, and looked to absorb contact at every available opportunity at the rim with his explosive drives.
Marcus showed that he’s certainly ready to accept the role as Dynamic Prep’s go-to guy offensively, and it showed with his 28-point and nine-rebound performance.
Caleb Jones, 6’4, SG, Moravian Prep YNG Dreamerz (North Carolina), 2026
There wasn’t a single player who helped themselves more during Overtime Elite’s Opening weekend than Caleb Jones. The high IQ senior knows how to get to his sweet spots for his jumper, is extremely confident letting it fly from 3-point range with his feet set, and can score efficiently off the bounce with limited dribbles.
Florida International was the first school to offer and has been hot on the talented two guard who averaged 30.5 points per game in YNG Dreamerz’s two wins.
Javon Bardwell, 6’6, SG/SF, PHH Prep Diamond Doves (Arizona), 2027
Already locked in with Kansas, Javon Bardwell lived up to his five-star ranking at the OTE Season Opener. The super smooth swingman had great elevation on his jump shot, was an active offensive rebounder, and displayed a really nice change of pace attacking the rim. Once you toss in the effort that he put in defensively, you can see why he’s the prized recruit in KU’s early 2027 class.
Yohance Connor, 6’2, PG, Combine Academy Blue Checks (North Carolina), 2026
One of the better point guards in the class of 2026 left on the board, Yohance Connor, brought that “dog” in him that has made him a problem for the last four years in high school. The hard nosed two way guard is a constant scoring threat anytime that he has the ball in his hands, is exceptional at finishing through contact at the rim, and puts immense pressure on the rock defensively.
Connor will bring a super competitive lead guard to whichever school ultimately lands his service at the collegiate level, which is currently down to Ole Miss, Clemson, Wake Forest, Houston, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, and Seton Hall.
Seven Spurlock, 6’5, SG/SF, Dynamic Prep FAZE (Texas), 2026
Making the move from one powerhouse program to another, Seven Spurlock transferred to Dynamic Prep from Prolific Prep and has immediately made his presence felt. His versatility allowed him to play three different positions at times, stretch the defense with his multiple 3-pointers, and finish in the paint through contact. Still wide open in his recruitment, Spurlock has heard from suitors at all levels from across the country.
