The Grind Session continues to solidify its reputation as the premier platform for elite high school basketball talent, with three players from the circuit earning spots on the USA Today Top 15 High School Basketball Players and the ESPN Top 100 List for the Class of 2025. These young athletes are not only excelling on the court but also positioning themselves as future stars of college basketball and the NBA.
AJ Dybantsa: The Nation’s #1 Player
Leading both lists is AJ Dybantsa, a 6’8” phenom from Brockton, Massachusetts. Dybantsa, who transferred from Prolific Prep to Utah Prep this summer, has taken the basketball world by storm. Known for his scoring ability, athleticism, and high basketball IQ, Dybantsa is widely regarded as the top prospect in high school basketball. He’s signed with Nike and remains uncommitted for college, with every major program in the country vying for his services. The projected first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Dybantsa’s one-and-done path to the NBA is all but certain.
Darryn Peterson: Sharpshooter from Prolific Prep
Ranked #3 on both the USA Today Top 15 and the ESPN Top 100, Darryn Peterson is a 6’5” shooting guard making waves at Prolific Prep. Peterson recently committed to play for Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks, a program known for developing elite guards. His dynamic scoring and leadership have been crucial for Prolific Prep, which recently defeated the #1 team in the country, Columbus High School, 66-54. Columbus is led by Cameron Boozer, the #2 player on the USA Today list and a future Duke Blue Devil.
Mikel Brown Jr.: The Florida Floor General
Rounding out the Grind Session players in the USA Today Top 15 is Mikel Brown Jr., a 6’3” point guard from Daytona Beach, Florida. Brown, who plays for DME Academy, is ranked #10 on the USA Today list and #12 on the ESPN Top 100. Known for his court vision and scoring ability, Brown is still weighing his college options. His decision will be one to watch as the season unfolds.
Rising Stars: Niko Bundalo and JJ Mandaquit
Grind Session athletes dominate beyond the top 15 as well. Niko Bundalo, a 4-star big man from Prolific Prep, is ranked #25 on the ESPN Top 100. Bundalo remains uncommitted but continues to impress with his inside presence and versatility under head coach Ryan Bernardi.
Meanwhile, JJ Mandaquit, a standout point guard for Utah Prep, is ranked #47 on the ESPN Top 100. Mandaquit, originally from Hawaii, recently committed to the University of Washington. He has also won two gold medals with Team USA alongside AJ Dybantsa and will return to Hawaii with Utah Prep for a Grind Session event in Hilo from December 27-29.
Grind Session: A Proven Pathway to Success
Now in its 11th year, the Grind Session has established itself as the gold standard for high school basketball development. With 61 alumni currently playing in the NBA and over 300 alumni in NCAA Division I programs, the circuit provides unmatched exposure and competition. Each week from November to March, the Grind Session travels to new cities, showcasing the best high school basketball talent in the world. All games are streamed live on Tanager Sports at www.tanagersports.tv.
This season, the future stars of basketball are making their mark on the Grind Session. Keep an eye on these young athletes as they continue to dominate the court and rise in the ranks.
