Albuquerque Prep (NM) delivered a statement win at the Grind Session Crush in the Valley, edging Mode Prep (WA) 82–79 in a high-level matchup that came down to execution and toughness late.

The difference-maker was Brandon Mason Jr., who earned Player of the Game honors with a complete, winning performance. Mason finished with 21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block, impacting the game on both ends of the floor. He scored when Albuquerque Prep needed a bucket, defended multiple positions, and consistently made the right reads under pressure.

What stood out most was Mason’s poise in the closing minutes. As Mode Prep pushed back with physical defense and timely shot-making, Mason answered with strong finishes, smart ball movement, and disruptive defense that helped Albuquerque Prep maintain control. His ability to influence the game beyond scoring — rebounding in traffic, creating for teammates, and generating turnovers — proved decisive.

In a tightly contested battle between two quality prep programs, Albuquerque Prep’s balance and Mason’s all-around leadership ultimately tipped the scales. Performances like this are exactly why college coaches value guards who can impact winning in multiple ways, especially when the margin for error is slim.