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Utah Prep Academy

HS Team(s)

Title Conference
Utah Prep (UT) [M]

Hurricane, Utah

Utah Prep's nationally ranked athletic programs are recognized for their professional coaching, sports training, and athlete development. They are committed to developing elite athletes. Their programs offer the best opportunities for student-athletes, elite training facilities in Southern Utah, significant college recruiting exposure, and top-tier competition.

Headlines: Utah Prep Academy

Grind Session Recap: Atlanta Showdown Delivers High-Level Hoops

This past weekend, the Grind Session brought top-tier basketball talent to Atlanta for an electrifying three-day event featuring some of the best prep teams in North America. From thrilling comebacks to dominant individual performances, the competition was intense, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Here's a recap of the standout games and players from the event.

Three Grind Session Stars Tabbed as Naismith High School Player of the Year Semifinalists

Grind Session stars AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Mikel Brown, Jr. have been named three of the 10 semifinalists for the 2025 Naismith Boy’s High School Player of the Year award. They still have a month to make their case for the prestigious award, which will be presented to one winner on March 7, 2025.

Prolific Prep Edges Utah Prep in Thrilling Grind Session Showdown

In what might go down as one of the greatest high school basketball games of all time, Prolific Prep and Utah Prep Academy delivered an unforgettable battle at the Grind Session event in Atlanta. The two powerhouse programs met for the second time this season, and the game came down to a final heroic shot, as Prolific Prep secured a dramatic 88-86 victory.

AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson Go Head-To-Head at Grind Session Showcase in Atlanta This Weekend

Top-ranked class of '25 recruits to lead their teams in marquee matchup of national powerhouses.

The two top-ranked high school basketball players in the 2025 recruiting class – AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson – will be taking center stage in Atlanta this weekend when they go head-to-head in a mid-season showdown of future NBA stars. The Grind Session hoopers play for Utah Prep and Prolific Prep respectively, the No. 8 and No. 7 teams in ESPN’s current national rankings.    

Grind Session sends 4 players to McDonald's All America game

In a remarkable turn of events, four exceptional players from the Grind Session have been selected to play in the esteemed McDonald’s All America game this season. The game, which will take place on April 1st at the Barclays Center in New York, will feature Grind Session players AJ Dybantsa, Daryn Peterson, Mikel Brown Jr., and Niko Bundalo, showcasing their talents on a national stage.

Day 2 in Hawaii

Grind Session Hawaii Day Two: Thrilling Final Matchups in Hilo

The second and final day of Grind Session Hawaii in Hilo delivered thrilling basketball action, highlighted by dominant performances from top talent and memorable moments for local fans.

Day One in Hawaii

Utah Prep delivered a commanding performance Friday night at the Grind Session Hawaii event, cruising past Elite Prep with a decisive 105-63 victory in Hilo, Hawaii. Eight players scored in double figures for Utah Prep, showcasing their depth and teamwork in a game that they controlled from the opening tip.

Player Profile: JJ Mandaquit Utah Prep

JJ Mandaquit: Utah Prep’s True Point Guard and Leader on the Grind Session

JJ Mandaquit is a 6'1" point guard from Honolulu, Hawaii, and a cornerstone player for Utah Prep's basketball program. Known for his leadership, toughness, and basketball IQ, Mandaquit exemplifies the qualities of an old school floor general who thrives in high-level team settings. As Utah Prep competes in the elite Grind Session, Mandaquit’s presence on the court is a significant factor in their success.

AJ Dybantsa Chooses BYU, Shocking the College Basketball World

In a groundbreaking decision, AJ Dybantsa, the standout player for Utah Prep and a projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, announced his commitment to BYU this morning on ESPN. Dybantsa chose the Cougars over basketball powerhouses Alabama, North Carolina, and Kansas, citing a desire for a family-oriented program with NBA-experienced coaching.

"I was looking for a program that felt like home," Dybantsa said during his announcement. "BYU's coaching staff has the NBA experience I need to grow as a player, and the atmosphere here is unmatched."

AJ Dybantsa Set to Announce College Decision on ESPN’s First Take

The wait is nearly over for fans and college basketball programs eager to see where AJ Dybantsa, one of the most coveted high school basketball players in the nation, will take his talents next. Tomorrow morning at 10:30 AM EST, Dybantsa will reveal his choice live on ESPN’s First Take alongside host Stephen A. Smith.

Kentucky Showdown: Utah Prep and Prolific Prep to Go Head-To-Head During Grind Session Showcase in Murray, Kentucky

The highly anticipated matchup will take place on Saturday, December 7 at CFSB Center, home of the Murray State men's and women's basketball teams. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM (Eastern).

Grind Session Teams Take Down Nation’s Top Programs in Monumental Week

The Grind Session continues to solidify its reputation as the premier high school basketball circuit in the country, as two of its elite teams took down the nation’s #1 ranked squads in consecutive marquee matchups.

Grind Session Dominates Top Player Lists for Class of 2025

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.

Grind Session Recap: Sunday, November 10th Games at Pan American Center in Toronto

The latest edition of the winter circuit from Grind Session lit up the court on Sunday, November 10 at the Pan American Centre in Toronto, showcasing elite high-school basketball at its finest. With dominant showings, clutch finishes, and standout performances, this day set a serious tone for what’s ahead in the season.

Grind Session in Canada

Orangeville Prep vs. DNA Prep
Orangeville Prep edged out DNA Prep with a close 72-71 victory in the first game of the day at the Pan American Center in Toronto, Canada. Noah D’Acre led Orangeville with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal. Isaac Kenney contributed 11 points, 6 rebounds, and a steal. For DNA Prep, Jayden Robinson was the standout performer with 27 points. Both teams are part of the Evolution Conference of the Grind Session.

AJ Dybantsa Shines in Return to Boston as Utah Prep Wins Grind Session Thriller

In his highly anticipated return to Boston, AJ Dybantsa showcased his skills on a familiar court, leading Utah Prep to a thrilling 79-71 victory over Highland (VA) at Emmanuel College in the latest Grind Session event. The matchup brought out fans from all over Boston eager to see Dybantsa, now a senior and a prominent figure in high school basketball, take the floor in his hometown.

Three Grind Session Teams Named in MaxPreps National Top 10 Preseason Basketball Rankings

Three Grind Session teams will begin the 2024-25 high school boys basketball campaign as early contenders for the national championship, having recently been ranked in the MaxPreps National Preseason Top 10. Defending Grind Session World Champion Prolific Prep starts the season ranked No. 3, with Utah Prep, led by top-ranked senior prospect AJ Dybantsa, just three spots behind at No. 6. Dream City Christian rounds out the top 10.

Grind Session Day 2 Recap: Denver Showcase Brings Out High-Flying Action

November 2, 2024 - Manual High School, Denver, Colorado

The Grind Session continued its Denver showcase with a full slate of high-intensity games that kept the crowd on their feet from start to finish. Held at Manual High School, the event features both men’s and women’s teams showcasing elite talent, with performances that reminded everyone why this circuit is the premier stage for up-and-coming basketball stars. Here’s a recap of all the action from Day 2.

AJ Dybantsa Shines in Grind Session Debut with Utah Prep

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.

Grind Session Denver Showcase: AJ Dybantsa Leads a Powerhouse Lineup

Prepare for two explosive nights of elite basketball as Grind Session’s powerhouse roster takes the court against Balboa School and Accelerated Prep on Friday, November 1, at 7:00 PM and Saturday, November 2, at 8:30 PM. Headlining the event is AJ Dybantsa (6’9 SF, Class of 2025), the nation’s #1 player and projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

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Grind Session

Grind Session

Grind Session is the first-ever winter circuit of elite high school basketball events. In past seasons, our teams have played in some of the greatest and most unique cities across the U.S., as well as Canada, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. From November to March over 400 action-packed games will be played. Grind Session is more than just great games: it's an opportunity to prepare for the next chapter of your basketball career.

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