The homecoming party is underway for JJ Mandaquit and his island brothers at Utah Prep.

Mandaquit had five points and four assists, while AJ Dybantsa clutched up for 21 points, five rebounds and four assists as Utah Prep edged Brewster Academy (N.H.) 45-43 to capture the ‘Iolani Prep Classic championship on Saturday night.

“I’m just happy we got the win. Before the game, our coach told us that a lot of teams that won this in the past are NBA players, so it means a lot,” said Dybantsa, who wore a blue BYU shirt post game. “Go Cougs.”

He was named the tournament most valuable player after 57 points, 27 rebounds and 17 assists in three games.

Ebuka Okorie of Brewster Academy was named the most outstanding player. Joining them on the all-tournament team: Tanoa Scanlan, Punahou; Jordan Smith, St. Paul VI (Va.); RJ Smith, Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia); Colben Landrew, Wheeler (Ga.); Donovan Williams, Deondrea Lindsey of Oak Hill (Va.); Juan Guerrero Hernandez Jr and Rayane Solhi of Veritas Academy (Calif.); Killyan Toure and Sebastian Wilkins of Brewster; Anthony Felesi and JJ Mandaquit of Utah Prep.

Jackson Kiss added seven points in a defensive battle that required Utah Prep (13-4) to rally from an early six-point deficit.

Ohio State-bound Killyan Toure led Brewster (12-2) with 10 points. Darien Moore added seven.

Down 45-43, Brewster got the ball with nine seconds remaining and one timeout available. After Utah Prep gave a foul, Brewster inbounded with 5.6 seconds left at midcourt. Toure drew a double team on what looked like a possible 20-foot runner at the right wing, but he delivered a pass to a wide-open Preston Fowler, who missed the potential game-winner as time expired.

Brewster was cohesive from the start, opening a 17-11 lead on Ebuka Okorie’s and-1 drive early in the second quarter. Utah Prep rallied with a 7-0 run, taking the lead on a pull-up, straightaway 3 by Dybantsa.

The Bobcats responded with a 9-2 run. Toure blew past his defender for a lefty layup, Sebastian Wilkins swished a straightaway 3 and Moore sent a bounce pass to Toure on a backdoor cut for a resounding dunk. After Wilkins scored inside, Brewster led 26-20 with 1:31 left in the first half.

Ater Bol Meen’s corner 3 opened the lead to 29-21 going into the break.

Utah Prep, settling for isolation jumpers, shot 42% from the field in the first half. In the second quarter, they were 33% (3-for-9). The most telling number: one offensive rebound in the first 16 minutes.

Dybantsa had 11 points, four boards, one assist and one turnover by intermission. He was not deterred. He splashed a corner 3 to start the second half, and after Kiss realized the shot clock was running out and nailed a 3, Utah Prep was within 33-27.

Jackson Rasmussen’s old-school low-post bucket cut the lead to four, 33-29.

After a Dybantsa free throw and a Mandaquit dish to Kiss for a tough layup, Utah Prep was within 33-32. Brewster tried to withstand the barrage. Okorie drove for a tough basket, but Dybantsa was relentless, drawing contact and sinking two free throws.

His next drive for a bucket gave Utah Prep the lead, 36-35, with 27 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Rasmussen surprised his defender, taking a pass from Dybantsa and exploding to the rim for a layup.

With Brewster ice cold from the perimeter, Dybantsa scored on a tough 10-foot runner in the lane, drawing a foul. His free throw missed, but Utah Prep’s lead was 40-35 with 5:56 left.

The Utah Jazz beat the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center with a final score of 105-94.

For the pro-tank Jazz fans, these type of games hurt. With this win, the Jazz move out of the bottom-three worst records in the league and would now fall behind the Nets in the lottery, should their records tie at the end of the season (pending Brooklyn’s visit to Utah on January 12th). With that said, losing this game would have proven difficult for Utah, as the Nets shot a shocking 7-40 from three, versus Utah’s 14-41. That type of three-point shooting discrepancy is almost insurmountable for any team in the NBA today.

The Jazz were led tonight by Lauri Markkanen’s 21 points and seven rebounds. Collin Sexton chipped in 18 points on 8-14 shooting, while Jordan Clarkson added another 16 points on 6-12 from the field. With Cody Williams and Kyle Filipowski both assigned out due to G-League assignments, Utah’s rotation featured some less-frequented veteran faces. Svi Mykhailiuk pitched in 18 points tonight on 7-11 shooting from the field and 4-8 shooting from three. Micah Potter, while only given nine minutes, scored three points, grabbed two rebounds, and dished out two assists. While both Williams and Filipowski playing more minutes in the G-League does offer some developmental value, a game like tonight would have been a great opportunity to involve them more in the offense, rather than having players like Mykhailiuk eat up playing time. Hopefully the Jazz call up both sooner than later.

For the Nets, Cam Johnson led their team in scoring with 18 points. Ben Simmons offered a double-double, scoring 15 points and nabbing 10 rebounds.

Arkansas has added a significant boost to its backfield with the signing of New Mexico State transfer running back Mike Washington. Washington, who originally committed to Utah through the transfer portal, opted for Arkansas after a visit to Fayetteville. This shift highlights the competitive nature of the transfer portal and player commitments.

At 6-foot-2 and weighing 215 pounds, Washington brings size, strength, and a proven track record of production. In 2024, he rushed for 725 yards and eight touchdowns on 157 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt. His ability to contribute in the passing game, evidenced by nine receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown, adds another layer to his versatility. Washington’s standout performance against Western Kentucky, where he ran for 152 yards and two scores, underscores his potential to deliver in crucial moments.

Before his time at New Mexico State, Washington spent three seasons at Buffalo. His 2022 campaign was particularly noteworthy, as he led the Bulls with 625 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. That year, he recorded a memorable 92-yard touchdown run against Bowling Green, showcasing his breakaway speed. His consistent ability to catch passes out of the backfield further enhances his value, with 23 receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown in 2022.

Former Oklahoma QB Brendan Zurbrugg transfers to Utah

Washington’s path to Arkansas reflects his desire to compete at the highest level. Although Utah initially secured his commitment, the allure of the SEC and the opportunity to make an immediate impact likely influenced his final decision. Arkansas benefits from Washington’s experience and ability to perform against strong competition, which will be critical as the Razorbacks aim to elevate their standing in the conference.

For Utah, Washington’s departure leaves a gap, but the Utes have incoming talent to fill the void. Transfers like Wayshawn Parker and NaQuari Rogers, along with promising freshmen, will be tasked with stepping up.

Washington’s arrival in Arkansas adds depth and experience to the Razorbacks’ running back room, positioning him as a key player to watch in the upcoming season.