The Grind Session Power Conference is the premier tier of The Grind Session, an elite winter circuit for top prep and high school basketball programs. This invitation-only division includes 16 of the best teams from the United States and Canada. Teams earn their spots through direct invitations or a single-elimination Power Play-In tournament. Once in, they compete in showcase events across North America from November through March, with results tracked in a national standings table.
The season culminates in a postseason championship run. Power Conference teams first enter the Round of 16 and quarterfinals, which are staged in mid-March, followed by the High School Basketball World Championship later that month. These events draw national scouting attention and have helped launch numerous NCAA and NBA careers. Fans can watch matchups on Tanager Sports TV, as well as at in-person showcases hosted at various high-profile venues.
Academy of Central Florida (FL) [M]
![BV Academy (AZ) [M]](/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/2025-11/BV%20Academy3%20%5BAZ%5D.png?itok=LfvFu19s)
BV Academy (AZ) [M]
DME Academy (FL) [M]
DNA Prep (CA) [M]
Fort Erie (CAN) [M]
Gillion Academy (VA) [M]
Hamilton Heights (TN) [M]
Huntington Expression Prep (WV) [M]
iSchool of Lewisville (TX) [M]
Mt Zion Prep (MD) [M]
Prolific Prep (FL) [M]
Royal Crown (CAN) [M]
Southeastern Prep (FL) [M]
The Star Alliance (ITA) [M]
West Oaks (FL) [M]
Winston Salem Christian (NC) [M]
Zephyrhills Christian (FL) [M]
Player Profile: JJ Mandaquit Utah Prep
JJ Mandaquit: Utah Prep’s True Point Guard and Leader on the Grind Session
JJ Mandaquit is a 6'1" point guard from Honolulu, Hawaii, and a cornerstone player for Utah Prep's basketball program. Known for his leadership, toughness, and basketball IQ, Mandaquit exemplifies the qualities of an old school floor general who thrives in high-level team settings. As Utah Prep competes in the elite Grind Session, Mandaquit’s presence on the court is a significant factor in their success.
Grind Session Recap: Day 3 in Phoenix - Final Day
The third day of the Grind Session in Phoenix brought thrilling action and standout performances across the board, with teams displaying grit, skill, and teamwork in front of an energetic crowd.
Phoenix Prep 88, AZ Compass 55 (Women)
Phoenix Prep claimed a decisive win over AZ Compass, showcasing a dominant offensive display. Leading the charge was Dylan Swindle, who poured in 20 points, including three 3-pointers. Teammates Noelle Mulvanny, Caia Campbell, and Emilie Noerregaard-Laursen contributed significantly with 14, 12, and 16 points, respectively.
Grind Session: Day Two at Phoenix Event
Dream City Christian High School Glendale Arizona – The second day of action at the Phoenix event delivered intense matchups, incredible individual performances, and a blowout victory to start the day. Here's a recap of the day's games:
Grind Session Phoenix Event Recap - Day One
The Grind Session’s Phoenix event, hosted at Dream City Christian High School in Glendale, Arizona, kicked off with intense matchups and stellar performances that thrilled basketball fans. Here’s a detailed breakdown of all the action from Friday:
Game 1: Eduprize Prep (96) vs. Albuquerque Prep (88)
AJ Dybantsa Chooses BYU, Shocking the College Basketball World
In a groundbreaking decision, AJ Dybantsa, the standout player for Utah Prep and a projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, announced his commitment to BYU this morning on ESPN. Dybantsa chose the Cougars over basketball powerhouses Alabama, North Carolina, and Kansas, citing a desire for a family-oriented program with NBA-experienced coaching.
"I was looking for a program that felt like home," Dybantsa said during his announcement. "BYU's coaching staff has the NBA experience I need to grow as a player, and the atmosphere here is unmatched."
AJ Dybantsa Set to Announce College Decision on ESPN’s First Take
The wait is nearly over for fans and college basketball programs eager to see where AJ Dybantsa, one of the most coveted high school basketball players in the nation, will take his talents next. Tomorrow morning at 10:30 AM EST, Dybantsa will reveal his choice live on ESPN’s First Take alongside host Stephen A. Smith.
Prolific Prep Triumphs Over Utah Prep in Thrilling Clash at the Grind Session
In a game touted as the biggest matchup of the Grind Session season, Prolific Prep (#8 in the ESPN Top 25) edged out Utah Prep (#4) in a nail-biting 76-70 victory at the CFSB Arena at Murray State, Kentucky. The marquee showdown featured two of the nation’s top high school basketball talents: Darryn Peterson, the Kansas commit ranked #2 in the ESPN Top 100 for the class of 2025, and AJ Dybantsa, the #1-ranked player and centerpiece of Utah Prep.
Day 2 Recap of the Grind Session Event in Murray/Calloway, Kentucky
Day 2 of the Grind Session event in Murray/Calloway, Kentucky, delivered intense competition and memorable moments. From buzzer-beater finishes to standout performances, the action kept fans at the edge of their seats. Here’s a look at the games:
Kentucky Showdown: Utah Prep and Prolific Prep to Go Head-To-Head During Grind Session Showcase in Murray, Kentucky
The highly anticipated matchup will take place on Saturday, December 7 at CFSB Center, home of the Murray State men's and women's basketball teams. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM (Eastern).
Grind Session Referees: Calling the Best in High School Basketball
The Grind Session, an elite winter circuit of high school basketball, brings together some of the best basketball talent from around the world. Running from November through March, the Grind Session hosts weekly events across the United States and Canada, featuring teams from three competitive conferences:
Grind Session Las Vegas
Grind Session Las Vegas Day 1 Recap: November 29th, 2024
Silverado High School, Las Vegas
Game of the Day: Bella Vista Prep vs. Albuquerque Prep (Women)
In a thrilling Revolution Conference matchup that came down to the final possession, Bella Vista Prep edged out Albuquerque Prep 77-74.
Accelerated Prep Teams Up with Denver Dream Center for 'HOOPS for HOPE' Camp for At-Risk Youth
Spreading a little Thanksgiving love and spirit this week, Denver’s Accelerated Prep teamed up with Denver Dream Center for the annual “HOOPS for HOPE” youth basketball camp on the home court of the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
More than 120 5th-12th graders showed up for the two-hour camp, which continues to raise awareness about and combat the issue of youth violence in the Mile High City.
Interview with Chris Exilus from Royal Crown
This is the first in a series of interviews with Power Conference team leaders. We spoke with Chris Exilus Head of Athletics for Royal Crown this past weekend In Daytona Beach.
Thrilling Conclusion to the Grind Session Daytona Beach: A Day Full of High-Level Basketball
Grind Session Daytona Beach: Day Two Recap
Day two of the Grind Session Daytona Beach event brought high-intensity basketball, standout performances, and nail-biting finishes. With teams from across North America competing, fans were treated to an action-packed day of elite hoops.
Royal Crown Dominates Hamilton Heights
In women’s action, Royal Crown of Canada crushed Hamilton Heights 81-40. The standout of the game was Eunicia Salgado, who recorded a commanding double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Aisse Coulibaly contributed 11 points and 3 rebounds in a tough outing for Hamilton Heights.
Grind Session Daytona Beach: Day One Recap
The first day of action at the Grind Session Daytona Beach event delivered a full slate of thrilling matchups, with standout performances and hard-fought victories setting the tone for the weekend.
Grind Session Dominates Top Player Lists for Class of 2025
The Grind Session continues to solidify its reputation as the premier platform for elite high school basketball talent, with three players from the circuit earning spots on the USA Today Top 15 High School Basketball Players and the ESPN Top 100 List for the Class of 2025. These young athletes are not only excelling on the court but also positioning themselves as future stars of college basketball and the NBA.
Prolific Prep Stuns #1 Columbus High School in Boca Raton Showdown
In a high-stakes rematch, Prolific Prep (CA) showcased resilience and skill Tuesday night, defeating the top-ranked Christopher Columbus High School (FL) 66-54 in Boca Raton, Florida. The clash of titans featured Grind Session Power 12 conference contender Prolific Prep, ranked #11 by Sports Illustrated, facing Columbus, the publication's #1 high school team.
Prolific Prep (CA) vs Columbus (FL)
Prolific Prep vs. Columbus: Elite Showdown at Florida Atlantic University
Basketball fans, mark your calendars! On November 19th at 7:30 PM, two high school basketball powerhouses clash in a marquee matchup at Florida Atlantic University. Prolific Prep, the #11-ranked team by Sports Illustrated, takes on Columbus High School from Miami, the current #1 team in the nation. This game promises to be one of the highlights of the season, bringing together star-studded rosters and a rivalry renewed.
Final Day Recap: Miami Grind Session Showcases Top Talent and Exciting Games
The final day of the Miami Grind Session event wrapped up with thrilling action on Sunday, as teams from across the country battled it out in both Power and Revolution Conference matchups. Here's a look at the standout performances and key moments:
