In a game touted as the biggest matchup of the Grind Session season, Prolific Prep (#8 in the ESPN Top 25) edged out Utah Prep (#4) in a nail-biting 76-70 victory at the CFSB Arena at Murray State, Kentucky. The marquee showdown featured two of the nation’s top high school basketball talents: Darryn Peterson, the Kansas commit ranked #2 in the ESPN Top 100 for the class of 2025, and AJ Dybantsa, the #1-ranked player and centerpiece of Utah Prep.
Peterson delivered a dominant performance, recording a double-double with 32 points and 10 rebounds, along with 8 assists and a block. His leadership on the court proved vital as Prolific Prep overcame a double-digit halftime deficit. Utah Prep started hot, building a commanding lead with strong contributions from Dybantsa and his supporting cast. At the break, it appeared Utah Prep might pull off the upset.
However, Prolific Prep head coach Ryan Bernardi made crucial adjustments during halftime. The Crew gradually chipped away at Utah Prep's lead in the second half. The turning point came with 2:57 left in the game, when Nikola Bundalo scored a breakaway layup to tie the game at 64-64. Moments later, Peterson was fouled on a drive, sinking his free throw to give Prolific Prep a 67-66 lead with 1:31 remaining.
The final minute belonged to Winters Grady. The Michigan-bound sharpshooter hit back-to-back three-pointers, propelling Prolific Prep to a 74-68 lead. Utah Prep couldn’t recover, as even the mighty Dybantsa faltered at the line, missing two crucial free throws. Prolific Prep sealed the game 76-70, maintaining their undefeated Grind Session record under Coach Bernardi.
Bundalo, who will play for Washington next year, was a force for the Crew with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Grady added 15 points, including 3 of 7 from beyond the arc, showcasing his clutch gene in the final moments.
For Utah Prep, Dybantsa lived up to his billing with 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, leading his team in a valiant effort. Jackson Rasmussen chipped in 19 points, while Anthony Felesi posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Dybantsa, who is considering Kansas, Alabama, North Carolina, and BYU for his college career, is expected to announce his decision in the coming weeks.
Coach Bernardi continues to pursue history, aiming for a third consecutive Grind Session World Championship. With Peterson at the helm, Prolific Prep looks poised for another title run, cementing their status as a powerhouse in high school basketball.
This game not only lived up to its hype but showcased the talent and drama that define the Grind Session. Fans and scouts alike will be watching closely as both teams march toward the postseason in what promises to be an electrifying finale to the circuit.
