AJ Dybantsa scored 25 points in Utah Prep's loss at the Hoophall Classic. (Anoke Deitg-Blanchard)
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — AJ Dybantsa gave his home state a show, but his Utah Prep team couldn’t overcome a significant early deficit on Sunday at the Hoophall Classic.
After trailing by 27 points at halftime, Utah Prep cut the gap down to 10 points, but ultimately fell, 74-60, to Montverde Academy (Fla.). Dybantsa overcame a slow start to finish with a game-high 25 points.
The top high school prospect in the country and Brockton, Mass., native, was obviously frustrated by the result, but acknowledged the effort level to make the game a contest.
“If you’re gonna lose, lose with a fight — don’t get embarrassed,” Dybantsa said postgame.
