The Grind Sessions Prolific Prep has once again solidified its status among the nation’s elite high school basketball programs by securing a spot in the prestigious Chipotle Nationals for the sixth consecutive year. Formerly known as the GEICO Nationals, the National High School Invitational (NHSI) event determines the best high school basketball team in the country. This year’s tournament will take place from April 2-5 in Fishers, Indiana, marking the 17th edition of the event.
Since first earning a bid in 2020, Prolific Prep has been a consistent presence in the tournament, though the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the games from being played that year. Head Coach Ryan Bernardi, who has led the program for the past three seasons, expressed his pride in the team’s sustained excellence.
“Our team is very excited to be invited to Chipotle Nationals for the sixth straight year. The sustained excellence that our program has had is something to be proud of,” said Bernardi.
Before shifting their focus to Chipotle Nationals, Prolific Prep is currently preparing for the Grind Session Championships. The team will compete in Salt Lake City this weekend, followed by the finals in Lawrence, Kansas, from March 21-23. Coach Bernardi emphasized the team’s immediate goal.
“That will be our focus soon, but for now, our total focus is on the Grind Session Tournament and getting four wins in the next two weeks.”
Prolific Prep has a storied history at the Chipotle Nationals, consistently bringing elite talent to the tournament. In 2020, under Coach Joey Fuca, the team featured Jalen Green (Houston Rockets), Coleman Hawkins (Kansas State), Mouhamed Gueye (Atlanta Hawks), and Nimari Burnett (Michigan) but was unable to compete due to the pandemic.
In 2021, Coach Mark Phelps led a talented squad featuring Adem Bona (Philadelphia 76ers), Nate Bittle (Oregon), Jordan Pope (Texas), and Milos Uzan (Houston). The team secured a play-in victory against La Lumiere before falling to Sunrise Christian in the quarterfinals.
The 2022 season saw Coach Billy McKnight return to the helm, leading another strong roster that included Bona for his senior year, rising sophomore Zion Sensley (UCSB), and MJ Rice. Sensley delivered a dramatic game-winning three-pointer against Sunrise Christian, but Prolific Prep was ultimately defeated by Link Academy in the semifinals.
In 2023, Coach Bernardi took over and brought Aden Holloway (Alabama), Trey Green (Xavier), and Yves Missi (New Orleans Pelicans) to Fort Myers, Florida. The team staged a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback against IMG Academy, only to lose on a stunning 70-foot buzzer-beater.
Last season, in 2024, Prolific Prep returned with a powerhouse lineup featuring AJ Dybantsa, Tyran Stokes, and Mikey Lewis (St. Mary’s). The team fell in double overtime to Link Academy in a heartbreaking finish.
As Prolific Prep enters the 2025 Chipotle Nationals, the question remains: Is this the year they finally capture the national title? Can Coach Bernardi secure a third straight Grind Session Championship and then make history by becoming the first Grind Session team to win a national title?
All eyes will be on the Grind Sessions Prolific Prep as they take the court in Indiana, looking to prove that they are the best high school basketball team in the country.
