The Grit Report: Utah Prep Shines at 5 for the Fight Hoopfest

The 5 for the Fight National Hoopfest brought high-octane boys’ basketball to Pleasant Grove High School from November 25-27, 2024, showcasing some of the nation’s top high school talent. Utah Prep, hailing from St. George, Utah, stole the spotlight with a commanding performance, led by their standout senior AJ Dybantsa, who recently committed to BYU. The three-day tournament, benefiting cancer research, paired local powerhouses like Orem and Timpview against national giants like Montverde Academy and Sierra Canyon, delivering a thrilling display of grit and skill.

Utah Prep’s Upset Victory

On Tuesday, November 26, Utah Prep delivered the tournament’s highlight, upsetting the No. 1-ranked Link Academy from Missouri 65-49. AJ Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 wing, anchored the win with 18 points and 12 rebounds, earning MVP honors for his dominant performance on both ends of the court. His aggressive drives and rebounding prowess set the tone, while teammate JJ Mandaquit, a Washington signee, added 15 points and six assists, showcasing Utah Prep’s depth. “AJ’s energy was contagious,” said coach Paul Peterson, as reported by KSL.com. “Our guys fed off his intensity, and it showed in our defensive stops.”

The game, played before a packed crowd at Pleasant Grove, highlighted Utah Prep’s ability to compete with the nation’s elite. Their fast-paced offense and tenacious defense overwhelmed Link Academy, with Mandaquit’s playmaking and Dybantsa’s highlight-reel dunks electrifying fans. Check out the action in our exclusive highlights below, captured by SpectatorSport:

National Talent on Display

The Hoopfest wasn’t just about Utah Prep. National powerhouses brought their A-game, with Florida’s Montverde Academy, the defending national champions, and California’s Sierra Canyon making their mark. Sierra Canyon faced off against Orem High, a 5A contender led by BYU signee Chamberlain Burgess, in a Tuesday clash that showcased local talent holding its own. Orem eked out a 43-42 win, with Burgess contributing 10 points and 10 rebounds, proving his value as a two-way forward.

Timpview High also competed, taking on Wheeler High from Georgia. Despite a tough 83-52 loss, Timpview’s effort was notable, with Wheeler’s Tylis Jordan (13 points) and Colben Landrew (14 points, six rebounds) leading the charge. The game underscored the tournament’s role in giving Utah teams exposure to national competition, a point emphasized by event organizer Paul Peterson: “This is about inspiring Utah kids to dream big by seeing the best in the country.”

Other standouts included Wasatch Academy’s Isiah Harwell, a Houston commit recovering from an ACL injury, who showed flashes of his top-50 potential. Utah Prep’s Anthony Felesi, a 6-foot-5 wing, also impressed with smart cuts and timely jumpers, complementing Dybantsa’s star power.

Community and Cause

Beyond the hardwood, the Hoopfest supported 5 for the Fight’s cancer research mission, drawing thousands of fans and fostering community spirit. Local youth players mingled with stars like Dybantsa, who stayed after games to sign autographs, echoing last year’s graciousness from Duke freshman Cooper Flagg. “It’s more than basketball,” Peterson told Deseret News. “It’s about creating memories for these kids.”

Final Thoughts

The 5 for the Fight Hoopfest proved why it’s Utah’s premier high school basketball showcase. Utah Prep’s upset over Link Academy, powered by AJ Dybantsa’s brilliance, set a high bar, while local teams like Orem and Timpview showed Utah’s basketball scene is thriving. SpectatorSport was proud to cover this electric event, capturing the grit and heart of high school hoops. Stay tuned for more from The Grit Report as we follow Utah’s teams through the 2024-25 season!

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