AJ Dybantsa vs. Darryn Peterson
By Rick Manahan
The Stage: Atlanta Showdown – Dybantsa vs. Peterson
Sometimes debates need more than stats — they need moments. And we got one in Atlanta, during a regular-season Grind Session clash between Prolific Prep and Utah Prep.
Final score: Prolific Prep 88, Utah Prep 86
Darryn Peterson: 61 points, including the game-winning buzzer-beater three. AJ Dybantsa: 49 points, nearly willing Utah Prep to the win It was the kind of back-and-forth battle legends are made of — two future NBA stars, carrying their teams, trading baskets in front of a packed gym of scouts, coaches, and basketball junkies. In that moment, Peterson had the final word, sinking a cold-blooded three to seal Prolific’s second win over Utah Prep that season (they also won 76–70 earlier in the year).
AJ Dybantsa: The Prototype Wing with Superstar Tools
Dybantsa, who reclassified from the 2026 to 2025 class, instantly became the top-ranked player in the nation according to ESPN, 247Sports, and On3. After dominating at Prolific Prep in 2023–24, he transferred to Utah Prep, teaming up with JJ Mandaquit in what was one of the most talented duos in high school hoops.
AJ Dybantsa dunks at the 2025 Nike Hoop Summit
His accolades are loaded:
- 2x FIBA Gold Medalist (U16 & U17)
- McDonald’s All-American
- Nike Hoop Summit selection
- Peach Jam scoring leader (25.8 PPG)
- #1 overall recruit per ESPN/On3/247
- Historic $7M NIL deal with BYU (Nike, Red Bull)
At 6’8”, Dybantsa has a rare combination of length, athleticism, and fluidity. He’s a two-way monster with upside that screams NBA All-Star.
Darryn Peterson: The Complete Guard with the Killer Instinct
Peterson’s path to Prolific was different. After two monster seasons in Ohio at CVCA and a year at Huntington Prep, he joined Prolific Prep for his senior year and instantly became the engine of the offense. His stats were eye-popping:
- 30.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 7.4 APG, 2.2 SPG
- McDonald’s All-American
- FIBA U16 Gold Medalist, All-Tournament Team- First HS player with Adidas + Fanatics NIL deals
- Committed to Kansas (Bill Self called him “the best player we’ve recruited”)
At 6’5”, Peterson is a true three-level scorer with playmaking vision, defensive toughness, and elite confidence. He owns the moment — just ask Utah Prep.
Darryn Peterson dunks against Columbus High School in big win.
Same Coach, Same Title Pedigree
Both AJ and Darryn played for Coach Ryan Bernardi at Prolific Prep. Dybantsa led Bernardi to a Grind Session Championship in 2024. Peterson followed with another title in 2025, giving Bernardi three straight titles. Bernardi is known for developing elite talent — and both stars thrived in his system. But it's worth noting: Peterson came in after AJ and filled his shoes, and then some.
The Verdict: So… Who was really #1?
ESPN says AJ. The scoreboard in Atlanta says Darryn.
If you're building for long-term potential, Dybantsa’s frame, polish, and upside make him a dream NBA prospect. He’s the prototype for modern wings — think Jayson Tatum with more defense. But if you need someone to take over a game right now, Peterson’s scoring instincts, passing, and clutch gene give him the edge. He’s as ready-made for college basketball as any guard in recentmemory. Ultimately, it depends on what you value:
- Ceiling? Dybantsa.
- Production? Peterson.
- Head-to-head? Peterson.
- National ranking? Dybantsa.
Final Take
What’s beautiful about this debate is that we all win. Whether you're rocking a BYU jersey this season or repping Rock Chalk Jayhawk, you’ll be watching two generational players take their games to the national stage. From Prolific Prep to Utah Prep, from USA Basketball to March Madness, from NIL mega-deals to buzzer-beaters in Atlanta, both of these young men are living their Full Court Dream.
And if we’re lucky, we haven’t seen their last head-to-head battle.
