Grind Session Hawaii Day Two: Thrilling Final Matchups in Hilo
The second and final day of Grind Session Hawaii in Hilo delivered thrilling basketball action, highlighted by dominant performances from top talent and memorable moments for local fans.
Utah Prep vs. Albuquerque Prep
Utah Prep showcased their dominance with a commanding 117-77 victory over Albuquerque Prep on Saturday afternoon. For JJ Mandaquit, it was a special homecoming in Hilo, Hawaii, and he didn’t disappoint his local supporters. The Hawaiian native orchestrated Utah’s offense masterfully, contributing 21 points and 7 assists. The highlight of the game came when Mandaquit nailed a half-court three-pointer just before his coach substituted him, drawing a thunderous ovation from the Hilo crowd.
AJ Dybantsa, the #1 player in the USA, delivered a standout performance with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Utah Prep’s depth was on full display, with six players scoring in double figures: Jackson Rasmusen (20 points), Layden Kauka (14 points), Anthony Felesi (12 points), and Guygustone Kasenga (10 points) all made significant contributions.
Albuquerque Prep was led by Christian Gilliland, who scored 21 points, and Kylon Jones, who added 18 points in the loss.
The game carried emotional weight for the Mandaquit family. JJ’s father, Jason Mandaquit, a coach for Utah Prep, played on the same court during his high school years. After the game, father and son shared a heartfelt embrace, marking a poignant end to JJ’s homecoming performance. The younger Mandaquit is set to continue his basketball journey at the University of Washington next season. He is also a two-time gold medalist for Team USA, winning with the U16 team in 2023 and the U17 team in 2024.
Prolific Prep vs. Elite Prep
The final game of the weekend saw Prolific Prep Green overpower Elite Prep 79-52. Co-MVPs Mazi Mosley and Alassane Doucore led the charge. Mosley tallied 17 points and 8 rebounds, while Doucore dominated inside with 18 points and 15 rebounds.
Joel Mokweza was a force on the boards, grabbing 20 rebounds to complement his 8 points. Theo Gerges provided a spark from beyond the arc, knocking down four three-pointers en route to 14 points. Prolific Prep Green took control from the opening tip and maintained their lead throughout the contest, delivering a comprehensive team victory for Coach Bernardi’s squad.
Conclusion
The Grind Session Hawaii provided unforgettable basketball moments for players and fans alike. With standout performances from top prospects like AJ Dybantsa and JJ Mandaquit, and dominant team efforts from Utah Prep and Prolific Prep Green, the event in Hilo served as a showcase of elite high school basketball talent and community spirit.
