The Grind Session Championship action got underway in Salt Lake City at Highland High School, with three thrilling games setting the stage for an intense tournament. The opening day featured standout individual performances and high-energy matchups, with teams battling for a shot at the title.
The first game of the day saw Ft. Erie take control early against West Oaks and never relinquish their lead, securing an 84-81 victory. While West Oaks made several runs, largely fueled by an incredible performance from Willie Burnett III, Ft. Erie maintained composure and held on for the win. Promis N'landu led the Canadians with 18 points, guiding his team to a strong start in the tournament. Burnett put on a spectacular individual show, pouring in 44 points and grabbing eight rebounds in a losing effort.
The second matchup of the day featured Prolific Prep taking on a resilient Minnesota Prep squad that had just traveled overnight after filling in for The Patrick School, which withdrew from the event. Prolific Prep dominated the first three quarters, maintaining a double-digit lead, but Minnesota Prep mounted a furious comeback under the guidance of head coach Lucas Patterson. The coach’s youngest son, Jaylin Patterson, erupted for 44 points, tying the Grind Session record with 11 three-pointers. His dazzling shooting display kept Minnesota Prep in the game, but Prolific Prep managed to withstand the late rally and secured a 94-90 victory. Adding to the family story, Jaylin was coached not only by his father but also by his older brother, Lu’Cye Patterson, a former star of the Grind Session and current Minnesota Golden Gopher.
In the final game of the day, Dream City Christian overcame a slow start to dominate a young and scrappy DNA Prep team. After a competitive first quarter, Dream City took over in the second and never looked back, rolling to a commanding 97-63 victory. Alejandro Aviles contributed across the board with 15 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while Brennan Peterson added 20 points, sinking six three-pointers in the process.
With Day 1 in the books, the Grind Session Championship continues tomorrow with five games on the schedule. The competition heats up as teams fight for a coveted spot in the Final Four. Stay tuned for more coverage and highlights from Salt Lake City.
The Grind Session is the first-ever winter circuit of elite high school basketball events. In past seasons, our teams have played in some of the greatest and most unique cities across the U.S., as well as Canada, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. From November to March over 300 action-packed games will be played. The Grind Session is more than just great games: it's an opportunity to prepare for the next chapter of your basketball career.
