The Grind Session Championship weekend kicked off with a thrilling first day in Lawrence, Kansas, as the Revolution Conference (Women) quarterfinals set the stage for an action-packed weekend. With the semi-finals on Saturday and the Power Conference semifinals also taking place, the road to the Grind Session 2024-25 World Championships is heating up. The winners of both conferences will be crowned on Sunday, and Monday will showcase the best of the best in the all-star games featuring top men’s and women’s players from the Grind Session.
Friday Recap: Revolution Conference Quarterfinals
The first game of the day was a play-in contest between Albuquerque Prep and Hamilton Heights, with the winner earning the right to face #1 seed DME Academy in the evening’s final game. Albuquerque Prep came out strong, establishing a double-digit lead in the second quarter behind their superstar Bella Hines. Hines was named game MVP with an impressive 34 points and seven rebounds. Despite an off-shooting night by her standards, the LSU commit showcased her exceptional talent. Tamaiah Gray added 23 points and seven boards in the victory. Noa Woodruff led Hamilton Heights with 24 points, while Binetou Diop contributed 21 in the loss.
In the second matchup, Ft. Erie dominated Legion Prep from Texas, cruising to a 76-56 victory. Maya Foz led the way with 14 points, while Sophie Munn added 19. The Canadian squad controlled the boards and executed their fast break efficiently. Ft. Erie will now face the winner of the DME Academy vs. Albuquerque Prep game in Saturday’s semi-finals at 2:45 p.m., with the championship game looming on Sunday.
Royal Crown emerged victorious in game three, defeating Bella Vista Prep 72-59. Yohani Fami turned in a stellar performance with 21 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. Teammate Eunicia Salgado chipped in 12 points. The Toronto-based team will advance to play the winner of Grind Prep and the Academy of Central Florida on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Bella Vista’s Aiyanna Perkins scored 20 points, while Sophie Morales added 13 in the loss.
In the fourth game of the day, Grind Prep and Central Florida clashed in a highly competitive battle. Despite trailing in the first half, Grind Prep mounted a strong comeback in the second half to secure a 59-51 victory and advance to the semi-finals. Sania Douglas led the way with 18 points and 10 rebounds, earning game MVP honors. Da’Nae Jefferson contributed 23 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. Central Florida’s Justine Kizonzolo scored 14 points, and Gabriela Bernal added nine in the loss. Grind Prep now faces Royal Crown in a highly anticipated semi-final matchup.
DME Academy vs. Albuquerque Prep: Top Seed Dominates
The final game of the evening saw #1 seed DME Academy taking on Albuquerque Prep, who had already played earlier in the day. Despite a strong effort from Albuquerque, DME Academy pulled away in the second half, securing a 69-54 victory. Gigi Battle was named game MVP after an outstanding performance, tallying 23 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double. In her final high school game, Bella Hines put on a show with 32 points before leaving the court in an emotional moment in the closing seconds. DME Academy will now face Ft. Erie on Saturday at 2:45 p.m. for a shot at the championship on Sunday.
With a thrilling first day in the books, all eyes are now on the semi-finals, where teams will battle for a chance to compete in the Grind Session 2024-25 World Championship. Stay tuned for more action as the best of the best continue their pursuit of glory!
