SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — In a gym packed with NBA scouts and breathless fans, the undeniable force of Utah Prep collided with the disciplined machinery of Columbus High in a Hoophall Classic showdown that lived up to every ounce of the hype.
Utah Prep, led by the nation’s top-ranked prospect AJ Dybantsa, secured a gritty 68-65 victory over the Explorers on Sunday night, but not before a heart-stopping fourth-quarter rally from the Florida powerhouse. Dybantsa was electric, pouring in 28 points and showcasing a perimeter game that had the Springfield crowd buzzing.
“We knew they were going to punch back,” Dybantsa told reporters post-game. “It was just about staying composed when the run came.”
Columbus, usually unflappable, struggled early against Utah’s length but clawed back behind a 22-point effort from Cameron Boozer. The Explorers had a chance to tie it at the buzzer, but a contested three-point attempt rattled out, sealing a statement win for Utah Prep that will undoubtedly shake up the national polls come Tuesday.