Utah Prep put on a show at The Grind Session event in Philadelphia this past weekend, securing two impressive victories behind the stellar play of AJ Dybantsa. Dybantsa, the No. 1 player in the country according to ESPN’s Top 100, was named MVP in both games, leading his team to dominant performances.
Friday Night: Utah Prep 90, Huntington Expression Prep 62
Utah Prep kicked off their weekend with a statement win over Huntington Expression Prep, taking control of the game in the second quarter and never looking back. The squad cruised to a 28-point victory, led by an outstanding performance from Dybantsa, who recorded a double-double with 29 points and 12 rebounds. He also added two assists and a steal in his MVP effort.
Utah Prep’s point guard and University of Washington commit JJ Mandaquit contributed significantly, scoring 20 points while nearly achieving a triple-double with nine rebounds and eight assists. Utah Prep’s dominant play set the tone for a successful weekend.
Saturday Night: Utah Prep 79, The Fort 50
Facing off against The Fort from Canada, Utah Prep secured another commanding win, though the game remained close through the first half. However, Utah Prep turned up the intensity and pulled away for their second victory in as many days. Dybantsa once again shined, finishing with another double-double—23 points and 10 rebounds.
Jackson Rasmussen played a key supporting role, scoring 13 points in the win. With the victory, Utah Prep moved to 6-6 in Power Conference play, sitting in sixth place in the standings. As The Grind Session playoffs approach, Utah Prep remains in contention to challenge Prolific Prep, the undefeated powerhouse leading the Power Conference at 13-0.
Other Weekend Results from The Grind Session
- Iowa United (IA) 62, Ft Erie (CAN) 33 – JJ Sullivan was named MVP with 13 points, while Arafan Diane contributed 10 points in the victory.
- Ft Erie (CAN) 83, St. Jude’s Academy (CAN) 56 (Women) – Nyadieng Yiech led the way with 20 points, earning MVP honors.
- Iowa United (IA) 81, Accelerated Prep (CO) 66 – Navon Shabazz hit four three-pointers en route to 16 points and MVP honors.
- Ft Erie (CAN) 72, Legion Prep (TX) 65 (Women) – Freshman standout Portia Reisen dominated with 16 points and five rebounds.
- Legion Prep (TX) 59, St. Jude’s Academy (CAN) 58 (Women) – In a thrilling finish, Kaylie Carr delivered 12 points to lead Legion Prep to a narrow win.
- Ft Erie (CAN) 64, Accelerated Prep (C0) 50 – Deng Ngor secured MVP honors with a well-rounded 15-point, six-rebound, two-assist performance.
With the east coast leg of The Grind Session wrapped up, the action now shifts to the west coast, with the next event set to take place in Napa, California, next weekend. Stay tuned for more high-level competition as teams gear up for the playoffs.
