The Grind Session World Championship final four action at Haskell University in Lawrence, Kansas, did not disappoint, with thrilling matchups and standout performances setting the stage for Sunday’s championship games.
DME Academy Secures Spot in the Championship
DME Academy took down Ft. Erie 60-49 to punch their ticket to the championship game on Sunday at 4 PM. Leading the charge was Grind Session season MVP Gigi Battle, who dominated every aspect of the game. Battle recorded a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing her tenacity on both ends of the floor. Whether it was playing tough, hard-nosed defense or crashing the boards, Battle set the tone for DME’s success.
Off the bench, Leyla Minor provided a crucial spark with 15 points and 9 rebounds, just missing a double-double. On the other side, Ft. Erie’s Nyadieng Yiech posted an impressive double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Maya Foz contributed 16 points in the loss. DME dominated the rebounding battle 47-38, proving to be a key factor in their victory.
Royal Crown Edges Grind Prep in a Hard-Fought Battle
Royal Crown and Grind Prep went head-to-head in a tightly contested matchup. The teams exchanged leads throughout the first half before Royal Crown managed to build a slim five-point advantage at halftime, leading 27-22.
After the break, Royal Crown took control behind a stellar performance from Rachel Skulsky, who tallied 19 points and drained six three-pointers to propel her team to the championship game. Believe Tshibangu was a force on the glass, pulling down an incredible 18 rebounds to go along with 9 points. Tshibangu’s rebounding dominance played a crucial role in Royal Crown’s victory and their chance to bring the championship back to Canada.
Prolific Prep Holds Off DME in Intense Showdown
Kansas head coach Bill Self made an appearance at Haskell University to watch his future point guard, Darryn Peterson, in his final weekend of high school basketball. Peterson and his Prolific Prep teammates got off to a hot start, building a 12-point lead. However, DME Academy responded in the second quarter, erasing the deficit and keeping the game competitive until the final buzzer.
Despite the strong push from DME, Prolific Prep held on for a 78-72 win to remain undefeated. Michigan commit Winters Grady earned game MVP honors with 21 points, including five three-pointers, showcasing his shooting prowess and clutch performance.
Ft. Erie Upsets Utah Prep in a Thriller
For the second time this season, Ft. Erie men’s basketball team took down Utah Prep and their star player, AJ Dybantsa, securing a 64-61 victory in front of a packed house of Kansas basketball fans. The win was even more significant this time, as it propelled Ft. Erie to a chance at becoming the first Canadian team to win a Grind Session Championship.
Chris Kumu delivered a standout performance, earning MVP honors with 19 points, while Tristan Beckford added a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Despite the loss, AJ Dybantsa put on a show in his final high school game, dropping 36 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in a valiant effort.
The stage is now set for an exciting championship showdown. With history on the line, expect high-energy action as DME Academy takes on Royal Crown and Ft. Erie battles Prolific Prep for the ultimate prize in the Grind Session World Championship.
