In a game that felt more like a declaration than a competition, Anthony Felesi delivered the performance Utah basketball fans have been waiting to see. The 6’5″ Utah Prep guard erupted for 25 points in Vegas Elite’s 71-66 victory over the Utah Prospects, outscoring the state’s top two ranked players combined and sending a clear message about where he stands in Utah’s basketball hierarchy.

This wasn’t just another summer basketball game—this was Felesi’s “get back” moment, a chance to prove that rankings don’t always tell the complete story. While 247 Sports currently has him ranked third in Utah behind Adolph Junior County (#1) and Dean Rueckert (#2), both of whom play for the Utah Prospects, Felesi’s explosive performance told a different tale. County and Rueckert managed just 20 points between them, while Felesi single-handedly outproduced the duo that supposedly ranks ahead of him.

“This was a statement game for Anthony,” said one observer courtside. “He’s been making his case all year that he’s the best player in Utah, and tonight he backed it up when it mattered most.”

The Revenge Factor

For Felesi, this victory carried extra weight. Playing against the Utah Prospects wasn’t just about winning—it was about proving a point that’s been building all season long. The narrative surrounding Utah’s top prospects has largely centered around County and Rueckert, but Felesi has been quietly, and sometimes not-so-quietly, building his own case for supremacy.

The 25-point outburst represented more than just individual scoring; it was a comprehensive display of why Felesi has been climbing national rankings throughout the season. Currently ranked 37th nationally by ESPN and 34th by On3, Felesi has been steadily ascending the recruiting boards with performances exactly like this one.

Beyond the Box Score

What makes Felesi’s performance even more impressive is how he achieved it. This wasn’t empty scoring against overmatched competition—this was efficient, impactful basketball against players who share his recruiting pedigree. His three assists and three steals in the victory showcased the well-rounded game that has college coaches from BYU to UCLA taking notice.

“I think I’m an all-around player. I hang my hat on defense,” Felesi has said about his approach to the game. That defensive identity was on full display against the Prospects, as he consistently disrupted their offensive flow while creating easy scoring opportunities in transition.

The victory also continued Vegas Elite’s impressive summer run. Earlier in the EYBL circuit, Felesi contributed 16 points in a significant win over previously undefeated Team Takeover, proving his ability to rise to the occasion against elite competition consistently.

National Stage Validation

Competing on the Nike EYBL circuit provides the perfect platform for players like Felesi to prove themselves against the nation’s best. Through the early sessions, he’s averaged 12.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while ranking second among all 17U players in steals with 3.5 per game during Session 1.

These aren’t just impressive numbers—they’re validation from the highest level of grassroots basketball that Felesi belongs in conversations about the nation’s elite prospects. His defensive prowess, in particular, has drawn comparisons to former UCLA standout Jaylen Clark, with scouts praising his intensity and versatility.

The Utah Prep Factor

Playing alongside top 2025 recruit AJ Dybantsa at Utah Prep has only accelerated Felesi’s development. The Hurricane, Utah program has become a destination for elite talent, and Felesi has thrived in that environment. His 11.0 points per game during the 2024 season, while sharing the court with multiple high-major recruits, demonstrated his ability to contribute significantly even when not the primary option.

But against the Utah Prospects, Felesi showed he’s ready to be the focal point when the situation demands it. His 25-point explosion wasn’t just about individual brilliance—it was about understanding the moment and delivering when his team needed him most.

Recruitment Heating Up

The timing of Felesi’s statement performance couldn’t be better for his recruitment. With offers from programs like Houston, BYU, Louisville, and UCLA already on the table, performances like this one only strengthen his position. His recent unofficial visits to BYU and Houston have reportedly gone well, with coaches praising both his talent and his approach to the game.

“I want them to see that I’m a team player and energetic guy. And when you need a bucket, I’ll go get you a bucket. If you need anything done on the court, I’m your man,” Felesi said about what he wants college coaches to see.

Against the Utah Prospects, he delivered exactly that—timely buckets, defensive stops, and the kind of leadership that translates to success at the next level.

Looking Ahead

While one game doesn’t definitively settle debates about state rankings, Felesi’s dominant performance against Utah’s supposed top two players certainly adds fuel to his argument. More importantly, it shows a player who’s ready to compete at the highest levels and isn’t intimidated by reputation or rankings.

As the summer circuit continues and his recruitment intensifies, performances like this 25-point masterpiece will be remembered as the moments when Anthony Felesi announced himself as not just one of Utah’s best players, but one of the most compelling prospects in the entire 2026 class.

For now, the question isn’t whether Felesi belongs in conversations about Utah’s best player—it’s whether the rankings will eventually catch up to what he’s been showing on the court all along.