The McDonald’s All-American Game took center stage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, showcasing the best high school basketball talent in the country. This year’s event was particularly special for The Grind Session, as four of its standout players were selected to compete in the prestigious game. AJ Dybantsa (Utah Prep), Darryn Peterson (Prolific Prep), Nikola Bundalo (Prolific Prep), and Mikel Brown Jr. (DME Academy) all represented The Grind Session as part of the West team.
The West squad emerged victorious with a 105-92 win, ending the East’s four-game winning streak. Leading the charge was Darryn Peterson, who earned MVP honors after an electrifying performance. The Kansas Jayhawks commit showcased his athleticism and clutch play with three breakaway dunks early in the fourth quarter, helping the West team pull away for the victory. Peterson finished with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, demonstrating why he is one of the most highly regarded prospects in the nation.
Right behind Peterson was AJ Dybantsa, who contributed 17 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 24 minutes of action. The Utah Prep star and future BYU Cougar displayed his versatility and scoring ability, making a strong impact on both ends of the floor.
Nikola Bundalo from Prolific Prep also had a solid showing, scoring 12 points while securing 6 rebounds. The talented forward is set to continue his basketball journey at Washington, where he will play under head coach Danny Sprinkle.
Mikel Brown Jr., the floor general from DME Academy and a Louisville commit, added 5 points and 5 assists. Brown Jr. also demonstrated his sharpshooting prowess by winning the three-point contest the day before the game, further cementing his reputation as an elite perimeter threat.
The Grind Session continues to be a breeding ground for top-tier basketball talent, and this year’s McDonald’s All-American Game was yet another testament to its impact on the national stage. With all four players making key contributions to the West’s victory, the future looks incredibly bright for these rising stars as they take the next step in their basketball careers.
