In a remarkable turn of events, four exceptional players from the Grind Session have been selected to play in the esteemed McDonald’s All America game this season. The game, which will take place on April 1st at the Barclays Center in New York, will feature Grind Session players AJ Dybantsa, Daryn Peterson, Mikel Brown Jr., and Niko Bundalo, showcasing their talents on a national stage.
AJ Dybantsa: The Top-Ranked Sensation
AJ Dybantsa, the standout player from Utah Prep, has solidified his position as the number one player in the ESPN Top 100 list. His selection to the McDonald’s All America team comes as no surprise, as he has been a dominant force throughout the season. In December, Dybantsa signed a significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with BYU and is set to join the Cougars next season. His incredible skills and on-court leadership make him a player to watch in the upcoming game and a consensus number 1 pick in the NBA Draft in 2026.
Daryn Peterson: The Prolific Powerhouse
Daryn Peterson, hailing from Prolific Prep, is ranked second on the ESPN Top 100 list and was an obvious choice for the McDonald’s All America team. Committed to playing for Kansas and Coach Bill Self, Peterson has received high praise from the Jayhawks’ coach, who regards him as one of the best players he has ever recruited. Peterson’s remarkable abilities and dedication to the game have earned him this prestigious honor. Peterson like Dybantsa is also projected as one of the top picks in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Mikel Brown Jr.: The Point Guard Prodigy
DME Academy’s point guard, Mikel Brown Jr., has also earned a spot on the McDonald’s All America team. Committed to the Louisville Cardinals, Brown Jr. has had an outstanding season under Coach Matt Panaggio. His selection to the team is a testament to his hard work and exceptional performance, and he is expected to be a key asset for Louisville next year and coach Pat Kelsey.
Niko Bundalo: The Rising Star
Niko Bundalo, another standout from Prolific Prep, completes the quartet of Grind Session players on the McDonald’s All America team. Bundalo is committed to playing for Coach Danny Sprinkle and the Washington Huskies next season. His selection brings Prolific Prep’s total of McDonald’s All Americans to 14 in the school’s history. Coach Ryan Bernardi, in his third season with Prolific Prep, has now seen six of his players make the prestigious team. Bernardi said “We are thrilled for Darryn and Niko. The McDonald’s All American game is the most prestigious all-star game in the country, and we could not be happier to have 2 players participating. Both young men are fantastic human beings, have model work ethics and have contributed to our team’s success. We cannot wait to watch them on April 1”.
Prolific Prep’s Legacy
With Bundalo and Peterson’s selections, Prolific Prep continues to cement its reputation for producing top-tier talent. Coach Bernardi’s leadership has been instrumental in the school’s success, and the team’s current undefeated status in the Grind Session Power Conference speaks volumes about their dominance. Prolific Prep is now in third place all time for McDonald’s All American players behind powerhouse Oak Hill at number one and Montverde at number two.
The McDonald’s All-American Game
Since its inception in 1977, the McDonald’s All-American game has been the most prestigious all-star game in high school basketball. It serves as a platform for the nation’s best players to showcase their skills and gain national recognition. This year’s game promises to be an exciting event, with Dybantsa, Peterson, Brown Jr., and Bundalo exemplifying the high level of talent nurtured within the Grind Session.
As the anticipation builds for April 1st, fans and scouts alike are eager to witness the extraordinary abilities of these four players. Their journey to the McDonald’s All America game is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the outstanding programs that have supported their development. The Grind Session looks forward to seeing them shine on the court in New York and continue their rise in the world of basketball.
