The Grind Session is set to host its highly anticipated World Championship at Haskell University in Lawrence, Kansas, from March 21st through 24th. The event will feature elite high school basketball talent, with the women’s semifinal games taking place on Friday, followed by the men’s semifinals on Saturday. The championship games will be held on Sunday, culminating in the Grind Session All-Star games on Monday afternoon. These All-Star matchups will showcase top players selected by Grind Session staff, recognizing the best performers from both the men’s and women’s competitions.
This year’s championship is set against a backdrop of recent challenges at Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU). A lawsuit filed on March 15 by the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) claims the Trump administration violated federal law when it laid off employees at Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, including Haskell. Among those affected was Haskell’s women’s basketball coach, Adam Strom, a longtime coach from the Yakama Nation. Strom, despite being terminated, continued leading his team without pay, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his players and the game. His dedication paid off when the Haskell Fighting Indians secured the 2025 CAC tournament title with a victory over Northern New Mexico, earning a spot in the NAIA tournament. Although they ultimately fell to Dordt University in the first round, their journey was nothing short of inspiring.
Strom, a strong advocate for using basketball as a tool for community development, remains involved in the sport through programs like Bilingual Basketball and AAU coaching. His passion for the game and his athletes will undoubtedly continue, even as he navigates the uncertainty surrounding his professional future.
For basketball enthusiasts attending the Grind Session this weekend, the tournament presents an opportunity to witness some of the best young talent in the game. With the energy and excitement surrounding the event, Haskell University will be at the center of high school basketball excellence, offering a platform for emerging athletes to shine—and perhaps even catch the eye of a dedicated coach like Strom, should he be looking for future stars for his next team.
