News & Events

Friday night in Paducah, Kentucky, the Grind Session showcased some thrilling basketball action at the Strawberry Hills Pharmacy Arena. Here's a look at the exciting games that unfolded.

The Grind Session event in Louisville showcased thrilling matchups filled with intense competition and standout performances. Here’s a summary of the final day’s exciting action.

DME Academy 73, West Oaks 63

The local Louisville basketball fans packed the gym tonight to see the newest commit to coach Pat Kelsey’s team Mikel Brown Jr. play in the Grind Session event in Louisville.  Brown's DME Sports Academy team from Daytona Beach Florida took on West Oaks Academy and beat them 73-63. Brown and his teammate Nathan Kirk each put in 25 points in the victory with Trey Simpson III getting a double double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. 

We had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Brandon Mason from Albuquerque Prep while we were in Hawaii at the Grind Session Hawaii event. Brandon talks with Rick about the Albuquerque Prep program, its men's and women's teams and its future.

In a dramatic and unexpected announcement on New Year’s Day, Louisville took the spotlight not just on the court but off it as well. With the Cardinals leading North Carolina at the under-eight media timeout of the first half at the KFC Yum! Center, the program delivered a game-changing revelation: Five-star point guard Mikel Brown Jr. had committed to Louisville.

To the delight of the crowd, Brown stepped onto the court to be introduced, solidifying his place as the first five-star recruit to join new head coach Pat Kelsey’s program. The moment marked a significant milestone for Louisville basketball, signaling the start of what many hope will be a new era of excellence under Kelsey’s leadership.

Four-day showcase will feature 27 teams, 26 games, and an impressive list of some of the nation’s Top 100 boys and girls prospects.

The Grind Session is hosting a four-day showcase at Fern Creek High School in Louisville this week, from Thursday through Sunday.

The event will feature 27 teams from 14 states and Canada, 26 games, and an impressive list of some of the nation’s Top 100 boys and girls prospects in the ’25, ’26, and ‘27 classes. It opens with three games on Thursday, continues with eight games on Friday and 11 games on Saturday, and concludes with four games on Sunday

Among the top-rated prospects playing this week are:

Grind Session Hawaii Day Two: Thrilling Final Matchups in Hilo

The second and final day of Grind Session Hawaii in Hilo delivered thrilling basketball action, highlighted by dominant performances from top talent and memorable moments for local fans.

Final Score: Utah Prep 105, Elite Prep 63

Utah Prep delivered a commanding performance Friday night at the Grind Session Hawaii event, cruising past Elite Prep with a decisive 105-63 victory in Hilo, Hawaii. Eight players scored in double figures for Utah Prep, showcasing their depth and teamwork in a game that they controlled from the opening tip.

Hometown hero JJ Mandaquit led the charge with a near triple-double, recording 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists. Playing in his home state of Hawaii, Mandaquit dazzled the crowd with his dynamic playmaking and leadership.

Ft. Erie Holds Off Balboa in a Thrilling Finish

In a Power Conference showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, Ft. Erie narrowly edged out Balboa 68-65. The game featured dramatic swings, with Ft. Erie building a commanding 12-point lead in the third quarter before Balboa turned up the defensive intensity to stage an impressive comeback. Tied with under a minute left, it came down to key plays in the closing seconds.

Arkansas State commit Tristan Beckford delivered a stellar performance for Ft. Erie, scoring 32 points and pulling down 9 rebounds, just shy of a double-double. Eli Jolin provided crucial support with 16 points.

The opening day of the Grind Session St. Louis event, held at Missouri Baptist University, delivered an action-packed slate of games filled with standout performances, overtime drama, and exciting finishes. Here's a recap of the first day's action:

Huntington Prep Dominates Chicago Prep

Final Score: Huntington Prep 102, Chicago Prep 63
Huntington Prep showcased their offensive depth with five players scoring in double figures, taking control just three minutes into the game and never looking back. Braydon Hawthorne led the way with 23 points, while Camron McDaniels and Kam Mercer each contributed 19. Cedric Taylor added 18 points, and Anthony Smith chipped in with 13.

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.

The Grind Session is headed to St. Louis this weekend for three days of action.

Darryn Peterson, the No. 2-rated prospect in the Class of 2025 and a presumptive lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, headlines a field filled with future college and professional talent. The 6-foot-6 guard plays for Prolific Prep, which currently holds the No. 2 spot in the ESPN High School Basketball Top 25 team rankings.

Among the other Top 100-rated prospects playing in the Gateway City this weekend, include:

The Milwaukee Bucks secured a dominant 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the 2024 NBA Emirates Cup, showcasing stellar performances from their star players and strong team cohesion throughout the tournament. This marks the Bucks' first NBA Cup championship, finishing with an undefeated 7-0 record.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Shines Bright

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks’ perennial MVP contender, delivered an extraordinary performance in the championship game, earning him the Emirates NBA Cup MVP title. Giannis recorded a triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists, three blocks, and two steals, leading his team on both ends of the court.

TyTy Washington Jr., a standout alumnus of The Grind Session, rose to prominence as a highly skilled guard with AZ Compass Prep in Chandler, Arizona. Washington's senior season in 2021 was a masterclass in leadership and performance, culminating in AZ Compass Prep defeating BFL Prep from Seattle, Washington, to claim the Grind Session World Championship. That victory cemented Washington's legacy as one of the premier talents in Grind Session history.

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.