This past weekend, the Grind Session brought top-tier basketball talent to Atlanta for an electrifying three-day event featuring some of the best prep teams in North America. From thrilling comebacks to dominant individual performances, the competition was intense, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Here’s a recap of the standout games and players from the event.
Friday, February 7
Ft. Erie (ON, CAN) vs. Grind Prep (OK) – Women
Final Score: Grind Prep 74, Ft. Erie 69
Player of the Game: Jayla Constant (25 points, 6 rebounds)
Additional Standouts: Da’Nae Jefferson (19p, 8r), Nyadieng Yiech (17p, 7r), Portia Reisen (17p, 5-8 3PT)
Iowa United (IA) vs. Winston-Salem Christian (NC)
Final Score: Iowa United 71, Winston-Salem 58
Player of the Game: Navon Shabazz
Prolific Prep (CA) vs. Mt. Zion Prep (MD)
Final Score: Prolific Prep 74, Mt. Zion Prep 62
Player of the Game: Darryn Peterson (31p, 10r)
Other Key Performers: Gabe Nesmith (11p, 4r), Francis Folefac (20p, 13r), Kameryn Wylie (12p, 12r)
Dream City Christian (AZ) vs. Utah Prep (UT)
Final Score: Dream City 96, Utah Prep 90
Player of the Game: Brennan Peterson (19p, 5-3PT)
Top Scorers: Ikenna Alozie (24p), AJ Dybantsa (44p, 13r), Anthony Felesi (16p, 9r)
Saturday, February 8
Huntington Expression Prep (WV) vs. DNA Prep (CA)
Final Score: Huntington Expression 72, DNA Prep 66
Player of the Game: Anthony Smith (17p, 9r)
Notable Contributions: Cedric Taylor (20p, 6r), Jaylin Conard (19p, 8r), Jayden Robinson (16p, 5r)
Mt. Zion Prep (MD) vs. Iowa United (IA)
Final Score: Iowa United 75, Mt. Zion Prep 57
Player of the Game: Navon Shabazz (22p, 5r)
Key Players: Liam Mitakaro (12p, 4r), Francis Folefac (20p, 7r), Quron Elliott (11p, 3r)
Grind Prep (OK) vs. Legion Prep (TX) – Women
Final Score: Grind Prep 70, Legion Prep 63
Player of the Game: Da’Nae Jefferson (18p, 10r, 1a, 3s)
Standouts: De’Andra Minor (20p, 6r), Kaylie Carr (12p, 1r, 1s), Brooklyn Terry (12p, 4r, 1a, 1s, 1b)
Winston-Salem Christian (NC) vs. Dream City Christian (AZ)
Final Score: Dream City 79, Winston-Salem 55
Player of the Game: Ikenna Alozie (18p, 12r, 5a, 4s, 2b)
Key Performers: Bradyen Boe (19p, 3r), Adriel Nyorha (17p, 5r), Darnerian Gibson (13p, 4r)
DME Academy (FL) vs. Bella Vista Prep (AZ) – Women
Final Score: DME 75, Bella Vista 64
Player of the Game: GiGi Battle (20p, 10r, 3a, 2s, 1b)
Top Players: Chikae Desdunes (21p, 3r), Aiyanna Perkins (33p, 4r, 4a), Ylena Gross (9p, 2r, 2a)
Utah Prep (UT) vs. Prolific Prep (CA)
Final Score: Prolific Prep 88, Utah Prep 86
Player of the Game: Darryn Peterson (61p, 7r)
Standouts: Mazi Mosley (11p, 3r), AJ Dybantsa (49p, 9r), Anthony Felesi (13p, 11r)
Ft. Erie (ON, CAN) vs. Academy of Central Florida (FL) – Women
Final Score: Ft. Erie 58, Central Florida 52
Player of the Game: Gabriela Bernal (14p, 13r)
Key Contributors: Ndeye Astou (12p, 6r), Maya Foz (26p, 2r), Nyadieng Yiech (9p, 5r)
Sunday, February 9
DME Academy (FL) vs. Bond Academy (ON, CAN) – Women
Final Score: DME 74, Bond Academy 31
Player of the Game: GiGi Battle (20p, 4r)
Standouts: Chikae Desdunes (15p, 4a), Aniya Lawrence (13p, 4r), Ryen Gallacher (8p, 3r)
Bella Vista Prep (AZ) vs. Ft. Erie (ON, CAN)
Final Score: Bella Vista 76, Ft. Erie 70
Player of the Game: Mackenzie Buckner (20p, 9r)
Top Scorers: Aiyanna Perkins (22p, 3r), Danyelle London (19p, 2r), Mildred Dibua (13p, 10r)
Dream City Christian (AZ) vs. Hamilton Heights (TN)
Final Score: Hamilton Heights 78, Dream City 31
Player of the Game: Aisse Coulibaly (16p, 2r)
Contributors: Luissa Parra (14p, 5r), Brianna Potter (10p, 7r), Emma Slack (6p, 2r)
Iowa United (IA) vs. Utah Prep (UT)
Final Score: Utah Prep 69, Iowa United 61
Player of the Game: AJ Dybantsa (38p, 7r)
Key Performers: JJ Mandaquit (10p, 3r), Arafan Diane (22p, 15r, 1a), Kaleel Sutton-White (16p, 5r)
The Atlanta leg of the Grind Session showcased an array of high-level talent, with players like Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and GiGi Battle making major statements. With each game bringing intense competition and electrifying performances, the Grind Session continues to cement itself as a premier stage for future stars. Stay tuned for more action as the season progresses!
