The Grind Session tipped off its 12th season this past weekend with the annual Play-In Event, a four-day showcase that featured 32 elite teams battling for three coveted spots in the 2025–26 Power Conference. The event took place across three Hopkinsville venues — Hopkinsville High School (430 Koffman Drive), Planters Bank–Jennie Stuart Sportsplex (155 Tilley Way), and Christian County High School (220 Glass Avenue) — with packed crowds, college scouts, and electric atmospheres throughout.
A Championship for the Ages
Sunday’s championship game will go down as one of the most memorable in Grind Session history. Bella Vista (Arizona) edged West Oaks (Florida) in a dramatic triple-overtime showdown, 100–98, to secure their official place in the Power Conference.
Jordan Charles delivered a monster performance for the Bella Vista Bears, recording a 34-point triple-double with 11 assists and 10 rebounds. His poise down the stretch made the difference, scoring seven straight points in the final overtime period — including a deep three and a clutch steal-to-score sequence that sealed the win.
Charles wasn’t alone in powering the Bears. Rokim Green added 19 points, seven rebounds, and a key defensive stop late, while Dionycius Bakare contributed five boards in the hard-fought victory.
At halftime, Bella Vista led 38–29, appearing to control the game. But the West Oaks squad, known for their relentless energy, stormed back behind ferocious defense and balanced scoring. Antonio Baymon paced West Oaks with 27 points, while Terell James added 23, and both Ibrahim Basima and Jayden Williams chipped in 17 apiece. Their comeback effort pushed the Bears to the limit — forcing not one, but three overtimes before Bella Vista finally pulled ahead for good.
Three Spots, One Champion
With the win, Bella Vista became the first official addition to this year’s Power Conference, joining an elite field of programs competing on the world’s most prestigious high school basketball circuit.
The remaining two Power Conference invitations from the Play-In will be announced in the coming days, with West Oaks heavily rumored to be one of the final selections after their remarkable performance.
Next Stop: Italy
Following a brief break, the Grind Session continues its global journey — next stop, Bassano Del Grappa, Italy. From October 22–25, powerhouse programs including Prolific Prep, SEPA, DNA Prep, and Central Florida will take the floor against three Italian teams and one team representing Dubai, continuing the Grind Session’s tradition of international basketball excellence.
