Grind Session Atlanta: Day 1 action

The Grind Session circuit tipped off its Atlanta stop on Friday with three high-energy matchups featuring elite prospects, national programs, and plenty of highlight moments. Here’s how the opening day unfolded inside the gym.

Game 1: Gillion Academy 76, Ft. Erie 71

Gillion Academy opened the day strong, powering their way to a 24–13 first-quarter lead and extending it to 41–25 by halftime. Their ball movement and interior presence caused problems early, forcing Ft. Erie International to play from behind for much of the afternoon.

Marcis Ponder with the two hand dunk

But the second half belonged to Ft. Erie’s toughness and defensive grit. They clamped down defensively, crashed the boards relentlessly, and out-rebounded Gillion 35–25 to fuel their comeback. With three minutes left, Ft. Erie had trimmed the deficit to just six.

Gillion’s star center Marcis Ponder ensured the lead didn’t slip away. While not matching last week’s historic block party in Boca Raton, Ponder delivered a steady 12-point, 11-rebound double-double with 2 blocks to anchor the frontcourt.

Willie Burnett III drives the baseline

Gillion featured a balanced scoring attack:

• Aaron McGee – 20 points
• Willie Burnett III – 18 points
• Aaron “Muse” Bryant – 10 points

Ft. Erie spread the scoring evenly:

• Junior Jean-Marie – 12 points
• Promis N’landu – 11 points

Despite falling short, Ft. Erie’s second-half surge set the tone for a competitive weekend.

Junior Jean-Marie drives to the basket in the second half against Gillion Academy

Game 2: Zephyrhills Christian 77, Royal Crown 55

Zephyrhills Christian wasted no time asserting themselves, winning the opening tip and controlling the game from start to finish in a convincing 77–55 win over Royal Crown.

5-star senior and Missouri commit Toni Bryant dominated all facets of the game, posting one of the top stat lines of the day:

15 points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 steals.

The Warriors’ depth was equally impressive, with five players reaching double figures, showcasing one of the most balanced lineups in the Grind Session:

• Alexander Davis – 14 points
• Ethan Knox – 12 points
• Hugo Facorat – 12 points
• Traymaine Belanger – 12 points

Royal Crown stayed competitive on the glass (46–40 Zephyrhills) and was led by standout guard Andy Gemao, who scored 14 points.

Toni Bryant drives to the bucket in Atlanta

Zephyrhills’ defensive intensity and unselfish scoring made them one of the most complete teams on display during opening day.

Game 3: Bella Vista Prep 88, West Oaks 66

The final matchup of the night featured a true rivalry renewal—a rematch of the thrilling triple-overtime championship of October’s Grind Session Play-In Event in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Bella Vista won that classic meeting, and they once again proved too strong, defeating West Oaks 88–66 in Atlanta.

Both teams came out firing, pushing the tempo, attacking the rim, and defending with intensity. The first half was tightly contested until Bella Vista created separation late, taking a 45–36 lead into the locker room.

In the third quarter, Bella Vista broke the game open, stretching the lead to 17 behind the outstanding play of Jordan Charles, who delivered a dominant 18-point, 11-rebound double-double. Point guard Noah George was exceptional as a facilitator, finishing with 9 assists and 11 points.

Lucas Toucan with the dunk to finish the fast break

Bella Vista’s depth was on full display with six players in double figures:

• Jordan Charles – 18 points, 11 rebounds
• Rokiem Green – 13 points
• Dionycius Bakare – 12 points
• Lucas Toucan – 11 points
• Nathan Yambayamba – 11 points
• Noah George – 11 points, 9 assists

The Bears also controlled the glass, winning the rebounding battle 55–44.

West Oaks had several bright spots despite the loss:

• Ibrahim Basima – 22 points
• Moussa Sy – 16 points
• Jayden Williams – 11 points

The intensity, speed, and physicality of this rematch solidified Bella Vista as one of the early standout teams in Atlanta.

Looking Ahead

Day One of Grind Session Atlanta delivered star performances, deep rotations, and high-level competition across all three games. With more top teams set to hit the court Saturday and Sunday—and several headline matchups ahead—the energy inside the gym is only going to rise.

Stay locked in for more recaps, photos, and standout player spotlights all weekend long.