Utah Prep Academy
Hurricane, UT
Principal
Adam Cheney
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Shane Hayden
ENROLLMENT
40
TEAM COLORS
Black and Gold
HEAD COACH
Justin Yamzon
ASSISTANT COACHES
Jason Mandaquit, Collin Terry, Aukai Wong
Utah Prep makes their appearance in the Classic this year as they try to show the nation, they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. Arriving at the islands ranked #5 in the MaxPreps National Top 10, Utah Prep already secured big wins to start the season, including a win over then #1 Link Academy.
The spotlight is on Utah Prep this year as top-ranked senior AJ Dybantsa, freshly committed to BYU, will have all eyes on him. Dybantsa, new to the squad, already is projected as a top lottery pick in the 2026 NBA draft and can create his own shot with his versatile 6-9 frame. JJ Mandaquit, who won two gold medals with Dybantsa and Team USA over the last two years, returns to the Classic for his senior year and is the floor general on the court. Mandaquit, playing his freshman year at ‘Iolani, put his talent on display as he dropped 18 points vs top-ranked Sierra Canyon back in 2021. He is now signed to play with Washington next year.
Utah Prep showcases their depth with a handful of senior talent that complements Dybantsa and Mandaquit. The seniors consist of guards John Southwick and Jaden Vance with the big men Jackson Rasmussen, Jackson Kiss, and Guystone Kasenga. Junior Anthony Felesi, ranked #43 by ESPN, has carved out a starting role on the squad. And lastly, junior Layden Kauka returns to the islands after leading Kohala to back-to-back HHSAA DII state championships while being named Most Outstanding Player both times.