From 2 Giants, Down To 1
From 2 Giants, down to 1. The Central Dauphin Rams basketball team saw an amazing year in 2020-2021. With their two headed giants controlling the pace of the game, the future was bright. But now their path has changed and uncertainty looms. Adjustments will be made, but the goal remains the same.
Donovan The Eldest Giant
With Age Comes Wisdom, And Expectations.
The Senior
Donovan Hill is a senior and poised to lead Central Dauphin back to the top and further. At 6’8 210 pounds with a 3.0 GPA, the senior leader has already committed to Niagara University. But like any good senior, he has unfinished business in high school.
He Earned His Place At The Table
Donovan helped his team end the regular season, winning 13 league games. They tied for most wins in school history. The Rams also claimed the Mid Penn Commonwealth Title.
They went on to the Mid Penn Championship, achieving a goal they set at the beginning of the season. The senior is coming off of a great season and grabbing some hardware as well.
Donovan was Mid Penn Commonwealth 2nd Team, and All Stars 2nd Team, just to name a few. After averaging 11 pts, 7 reb, Hill will be called upon to increase productivity to help win games. Donovan has been working all summer for this year, and we wish him luck.
Malachi The Young Giant
To Be Young And Fearless Is A Blessing.
Not Your Average Sophomore
Despite being young, he’s good and only getting better. Malachi Palmer is not only already a giant, but a monster in the making. The 6’5 195 pounds Sophomore helped lead Central Dauphin to their best season in eight years as a freshman. There are huge expectations coming into the 2021 season.
Everyone Takes Notice
Further more he was selected to the Mid Penn Commonwealth 1st team, and the Mid Penn Commonwealth 1st team All-Stars. His list goes on and on. The sophomore turned heads in every direction with colleges around the nation offering him a ride to their school.
From Georgetown University to the University of Oregon, the young guard made his mark early. But his abilities didn’t outshine his competitive nature. He fought for his recognition averaging 12 pts, 5 reb, 2 assist a game for the Rams.
The sky is the limit for this young man, and there’s a list of accolades waiting for him to claim. But we all know “the future is always unpredictable”. *Remember That
A.J. Dybantsa – The Rising Star of College Basketball
Early Life: The Foundation of A.J. Dybantsa’s Basketball Dream
A.J. Dybantsa was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, with roots in Congolese and Jamaican heritage. His father grew up in Grigny, France, instilling a global perspective in him. At Saint Sebastian’s School, Dybantsa showcased his talent early, earning Massachusetts Boys’ Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year honors as a freshman. He averaged 19.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game.
After transferring to Prolific Prep in California, he dominated the Nike Peach Jam tournament, leading all scorers with 25.8 points per game. His high school journey culminated at Utah Prep Academy, where he reunited with USA gold medalist JJ Mandaquit for the 2024-25 season. (Findaballer Report)
A.J. Dybantsa Transfers to Utah Prep: A Bold Move
In May 2024, A.J. Dybantsa announced his transfer from Prolific Prep to Utah Prep Academy in Hurricane, Utah. This marked his third high school in three years, showcasing his adaptability and ambition to grow as a player.
The decision was strategic for both basketball development and personal growth. Utah Prep offered top-tier coaching under Justin Yamzon and an environment that aligned with Dybantsa’s goals. His father played a pivotal role in the process, ensuring the move was beneficial for his son’s future.
Dybantsa embraced the change with optimism: “I’m ready for a new chapter,” he said. His father echoed this sentiment, praising Utah Prep’s coaching staff and their plan for A.J.’s development.
A.J. Dybantsa Commits to BYU: A Historic Decision
In December 2024, A.J. Dybantsa announced his commitment to BYU on ESPN’s *First Take*. This decision made headlines as he became the highest-ranked recruit in BYU history. Dybantsa chose BYU over powerhouse programs like Kansas, North Carolina, and Alabama.
BYU offered more than just basketball opportunities—it presented a unique community and NIL incentives worth $7 million. His decision highlights the growing influence of NIL deals in college sports recruitment.
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The $7 Million NIL Deal: A Game-Changer for A.J. Dybantsa
A.J. Dybantsa’s NIL deal with BYU is reportedly close to $7 million, setting a new standard for college athletes.This agreement not only reflects his marketability but also underscores his potential impact on BYU’s basketball program.
The NIL era has transformed college sports, enabling athletes like Dybantsa to capitalize on their talent while pursuing their dreams. With this deal, he is poised to elevate BYU to unprecedented heights in NCAA basketball.
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Video Highlights: Utah Prep vs. St Patrick’s at Iverson Classic
Watch A.J. Dybantsa dominate at the Iverson Classic as Utah Prep battles St Patrick’s! His highlights reveal why he’s the No. 1 recruit in college basketball
A.J. Dybantsa Dominates Iverson Classic – Utah Prep vs St Patrick’s Highlights
An Unpredictable Season
Life Can Change In A Second
No Guarantees
The future is unpredictable, and we meant it. The Rams were looking very strong coming into the season with their two headed giants leading the way. Unfortunately, one has left the building.
Packing His Bags
Malachi Palmer has taken his show on the road. The ESPN 21st best player in the country in his class is now attending Hillcrest Prep in Phoenix, Arizona. Coincidently he will be there with fellow Pennsylvania standout Chance Westry.
More so, it’s never easy to make such a big decision at such a young age. We respect Malachi and wish him the best of luck. We quote Malachi as saying.
Change Gone Come
Central Dauphin has what it takes to continue to open eyes in the Mid Penn Division. Donovan Hill will need some help, of course. This is the perfect time for someone waiting in the shadows to step up.
Who will help the Rams repeat and go a step further? Only time will tell, but we can’t wait to see what the season holds.
Check out what these two up-and-coming stars had to say about themselves in our “My Story” video. And subscribe to our YouTube page for more content.