Day 2 Recap — Grind Session Atlanta Delivers Drama, Star Power, and Statement Wins

Day 2 of the Grind Session Atlanta stop brought high-level battles, breakout performances, and one of the wildest finishes of the season. Four Power Conference matchups and two Elevation Conference games kept the action rolling from morning to night, highlighted by elite guard play, dominant rebounding efforts, and a controversial ending that will be talked about for weeks.

Royal Crown Outlasts Hamilton Heights in Opening Battle (83–75)

The day tipped off with a high-energy matchup as Royal Crown of Toronto edged out Hamilton Heights 83–75 in a game that stayed tight from start to finish.

Royal Crown’s floor general Andy Gemao set the tone with 21 points, but the performance of the game belonged to center Caleb Zhu, who delivered a monster 15 points and 26 rebounds. His dominance in the paint shaped the entire contest.

Caleb Zhu with the shot in the key

Maxandre Calixte added 18 points, while Kymani Walters chipped in 13 in the win.

Hamilton Heights fought all the way through, led by BJ Bradford’s 22 points. Valliance Luke added 14, with Alhassane Camara and Jarron Talley scoring 10 apiece. The early shooting slump—just 8-for-34 from three—proved costly, as Hamilton Heights couldn’t fully recover despite late momentum.

Ft. Erie Controls BV Academy in All-Canada Showcase (88–67)

The second Power Conference game featured another Canadian powerhouse, Ft. Erie International, and they brought a balanced attack from the opening tip.

Ft. Erie International jumped out early and never looked back, taking down Bella Vista Prep's BV Academy 88–67 behind Anthony Ponga’s 22-point effort and Promis N'landu’s 19 points. Their physicality paid off as they dominated the glass 45–31.

Eli Jolin with the alley top dunk for Ft Erie

Three more players hit double figures:

• Eli Jolin – 17 points
• Pierre-Charles Yimga – 13 points
• Daven Larosiliere – 12 points

BV Academy battled throughout, led by Jordan Charles’ 20 points, Noah George with 14, and double-digit efforts from Rokiem Green and Nathan Yambayamba with 10 each.

Gillion Edges DME in Instant Classic — Buzzer Chaos Included (82–81)

The marquee game of the night delivered everything: stars, toughness, clutch plays — and a dramatic final sequence that stunned the gym.

With 6.1 seconds left, DME trailed 82–81. The play went to Chris Kitenge, whose short runner rolled off the rim. Nathan Kirk tipped it in as time expired, sending DME Sports Academy into celebration.

Nathan Kirk in the final seconds of the Gillion Academy's win over DME in Atlanta

But after officials reviewed the play, they ruled the ball was touched inside the cylinder, waving off the basket and sealing the win for Gillion Academy.

Gillion was powered by senior star Marcis Ponder, who delivered another elite showing:
27 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks
He was followed by:

• Aaron McGee – 19 points
• Willie Burnett III – 16 points

DME Academy (Daytona Beach) had strong performances of their own. Yohane Kabongo was outstanding with 26 points, while Nathan Kirk scored 14. ESPN Top-60 junior Ryan Hampton added 12, and Troy Fason Jr. chipped in 11.

Zephyrhills Christian Takes Down West Oaks Behind Bryant’s Double-Double (77–67)

The final Power Conference matchup showcased the dominance of Zephyrhills Christian, who handled West Oaks 77–67.

Five-star senior Toni Bryant led the charge with a strong 24-point, 10-rebound double-double. His presence was felt on both ends all night.

Toni Bryant with the put back dunk

Supporting scoring came from:

• Traymaine Belanger – 19 points
• Yale Davis – 18 points
• Alexander Davis – 10 points

Zephyrhills controlled the boards decisively, winning the rebounding battle 44–29.

West Oaks was led by Jayden Williams, who scored 22 points while going 4-for-5 from deep. Terell James added 19, and Ibrahim Basima contributed 10.

Elevation Conference Highlights

IX International Beats Victory Rock Prep (63–58)

Kamiron Jones powered IX International with 19 points in a gritty, defensive matchup.

Wilson Academy Tops Minnesota Prep (82–70)

Tristan Edwards was dominant inside, posting a big 27-point, 13-rebound double-double to lead Wilson Academy.

Final Thoughts

Day 2 of Grind Session Atlanta delivered everything fans love: dominant Canadian teams, big-time individual performances, and a buzzer-beater reversal that instantly became one of the season’s most unforgettable moments.

With momentum building and standout players hitting their stride, Day 3 promises even more storylines as the Grind Session march through Atlanta continues.