The first day of action at the Grind Session Daytona Beach event delivered a full slate of thrilling matchups, with standout performances and hard-fought victories setting the tone for the weekend.
Game 1: St. John’s DME Academy (WI) vs. Victory Rock (FL)
St. John’s DME Academy opened the day with an impressive 84-62 victory over Victory Rock. A balanced attack saw seven players hit double figures, with LaTrevion Fenderson leading the way with 20 points. Abibou Gaye was a force on the boards, pulling down 10 rebounds, while Alex Ceredi contributed 12 points and four steals in the win. St. John’s faces TLAP (FL) on Sunday at 6:45 PM in their next game.
Victory Rock’s Andre Ngomabie led his team with 17 points, five rebounds, and two steals in the loss.
Game 2: Royal Crown (CAN) vs. Central Florida
Royal Crown dominated Central Florida in a 78-36 blowout during Revolution Conference action. Einicia Salgado showcased her all-around game, scoring 15 points while adding six rebounds and two steals. For Central Florida, Johanna Flores tallied 14 points along with two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Royal Crown looks ahead to two challenging matchups: Hamilton Heights (TN) on Saturday at 10:00 AM and DME Academy on Sunday at 11:45 AM.
Game 3: Royal Crown (CAN) vs. Accelerated Prep (CO)
Royal Crown continued its winning ways, edging out Accelerated Prep 76-67 in a tightly contested game. Xavier Istomin-Monroe led the Canadians with 14 points, six rebounds, and an assist, while Idris Abubakar lit up the scoreboard for Accelerated Prep with 23 points, seven rebounds, and three steals.
Royal Crown now prepares for a showdown with host DME Academy on Saturday at 6:45 PM.
Game 4: Downey Christian (FL) vs. Albuquerque Prep (NM)
Downey Christian secured an 88-79 victory in an entertaining clash against Albuquerque Prep. Maylon Marte delivered a standout performance with 34 points and 11 rebounds, while Olabiwonninu Patrick added a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds, along with two steals, two assists, and two blocks.
For Albuquerque Prep, Christian Gilliland poured in 30 points, supported by DJ Barnett Jr.’s 20 points and Brandon Mason’s 16 points.
Game 5: Iowa United vs. West Oaks
In a Power Conference rematch from October, Iowa United prevailed 75-65 over West Oaks. Arafan Diane stole the show with a dominant double-double, scoring 34 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Maxandre Calixte added 12 points and four boards for Iowa United.
Jayden Joseph and Willie Burnett III led West Oaks with 17 and 15 points, respectively. West Oaks faces Accelerated Prep on Saturday at 1:30 PM, while Iowa United takes on Balboa in the final game of the day at 8:30 PM.
Game 6: DME Academy (FL) vs. Fort Erie (CAN)
Host team DME Academy capped off the day with an 87-77 victory over Fort Erie. Mikel Brown Jr. led DME with 29 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a commanding performance.
Adam Elaheebucus was Fort Erie’s top performer with 22 points.
Women’s Big Game: DME Academy (FL) vs. Albuquerque Prep (NM)
The marquee women’s game featured DME Academy against Albuquerque Prep and their LSU commit, Bella Hines. DME emerged victorious, controlling the game from the first quarter to secure the win. Gigi Battle scored 19 points and grabbed five rebounds, while Sophia Bologna added 17 points in an all-around effort.
Hines delivered a valiant effort with 42 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and a steal but struggled against DME’s stifling defense.
Stay tuned for more updates and action as the Grind Session Daytona Beach event continues this weekend! Watch all games on www.tanagersports.tv
