AJ Dybantsa made a strong impression in his first Grind Session game after transferring from Prolific Prep to Utah Prep, contributing to a decisive 85-58 victory over Balboa at Manual High School in Denver. Known for his stellar play with Team USA, where he earned two gold medals alongside teammate JJ Mandaquit in the past two summers, AJ’s skill and court presence were evident from the start.
AJ led Utah Prep with 19 points, adding 9 rebounds, 5 steals, and a block. He hit 2 of his 7 three-point attempts, demonstrating his range while keeping Balboa's defense on their toes. Mandaquit, another top player at Utah Prep and a Team USA teammate, supported AJ on both ends, showcasing their chemistry and high-level teamwork that carried over from international play.
Balboa put up a spirited effort, with Apolo Caetano scoring 16 points and Travis Musando adding 14, but they couldn’t keep pace with Utah Prep’s top-ranked squad. The game highlighted Utah Prep’s #7 national ranking as they displayed dominance across the court, particularly on defense, where AJ’s 5 steals set the tone for a fast-paced and aggressive approach.
Looking ahead, Balboa faces Dream City Christian today at 5 p.m., and Utah Prep will battle Accelerated Prep at 8:30 p.m. As the season continues, all eyes will be on AJ and JJ to see how they lead Utah Prep in their bid for a Grind Session championship. All games are televised on Tangersports.tv.
