The Grind Session’s Phoenix event, hosted at Dream City Christian High School in Glendale, Arizona, kicked off with intense matchups and stellar performances that thrilled basketball fans. Here’s a detailed breakdown of all the action from Friday:
Game 1: Eduprize Prep (96) vs. Albuquerque Prep (88)
Eduprize Prep started the day strong with a hard-fought victory over Albuquerque Prep, 96-88. The game’s star was senior guard AJ Thomas, who delivered an unforgettable performance, scoring 46 points. Committed to Loyola Marymount, Thomas showcased his scoring versatility, leading his team to victory by controlling the tempo and hitting clutch shots.
Despite a close game through three quarters, Eduprize pulled away in the fourth, shutting down an Albuquerque rally and building a lead they would not relinquish. Junior guard Khalil Lias added 15 points, providing key support for Coach Ashton Thomas’ squad.
On the losing side, Christian Gilliland shined for Albuquerque Prep with 31 points. The 6’2” senior, who is still weighing multiple college offers, kept his team in contention. Brandon Mason Jr. contributed 15 points, including two three-pointers.
Next Matchups:
Eduprize Prep takes on Rosemary Anderson (Portland, OR) at 12:45 PM tomorrow, while Albuquerque Prep faces Taylor Made (AZ) at noon.
Game 2: AZ Compass (72) vs. Bella Vista (48) Women’s
In a Revolution Conference clash, AZ Compass dominated Bella Vista, cruising to a 72-48 victory. The game started as a defensive battle, with Bella Vista leading 17-15 after the first quarter. However, AZ Compass turned the tide in the second half, led by Ivona Djikanovic, Mikallya Betner, and Alexiz Graise. The team exploded in the third quarter, building a 15-point lead and maintaining control until the final buzzer.
Jaziah Billey earned MVP honors despite scoring just three points, as her leadership and 11 assists orchestrated the AZ Compass offense to perfection. Trinity King led Bella Vista with 19 points in the loss, excelling in all facets of the game.
Next Matchups:
AZ Compass faces Phoenix Prep on Sunday at 1:45 PM, while Bella Vista plays Dream City Christian at 5:00 PM.
Game 3: Legion Prep (85) vs. Phoenix Prep (65) Women’s
Legion Prep’s women’s team from Dallas, Texas, showcased their depth and dominance with an 85-65 win over Phoenix Prep. The game was tied 8-8 early, but Legion Prep surged ahead with a 10-0 run late in the first quarter. Guard Kamora Pruitt capped the period with a buzzer-beater to make it 20-10.
Coach Taylor Johnston’s team extended their lead with a balanced attack in the second quarter, building a commanding 44-29 halftime advantage. Alexa Taylor and Maiesha Washington delivered standout performances, with Washington scoring on an alley-oop and hitting a crucial three-pointer to seal the win.
Next Matchups:
Legion Prep faces host team Dream City Christian tomorrow at 3:30 PM, while Phoenix Prep meets Albuquerque Prep at 5:15 PM.
Game 4: Dream City Christian (68) vs. Royal Crown (64) – Power Conference
The host team, Dream City Christian, closed out the day with a thrilling 68-64 victory over Royal Crown from Toronto, Canada. The Eagles built an early 16-11 lead, thanks to junior point guard Ikenna Alozie, who scored 19 first-half points. Dream City’s aggressive play extended their advantage to 33-23 at halftime.
Royal Crown mounted a fierce comeback, going on a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 51-45. With just over a minute left, the game was tied at 56. Dream City’s Tacko Ifaola and #12 Alejandro Aviles delivered crucial plays down the stretch, with guard Brayden Boe from Beaverton, Oregon sealing the win by hitting six consecutive free throws in the final 90 seconds.
Next Matchups:
Dream City Christian takes on Accelerated Prep at 6:45 PM on Sunday, while Royal Crown meets Accelerated Prep tomorrow night at 7:00 PM.
Day one of the Phoenix Grind Session event brought exciting action and standout performances. Stay tuned for more recaps as the weekend progresses!
