The Grind Session’s first-ever all-women’s standalone event tipped off in Daytona Beach with six action-packed games featuring some of the top high school programs and individual talents in North America. From defensive battles and breakout scoring displays to dominant performances by nationally ranked teams, Day 1 set the tone for what promises to be a landmark weekend for women’s prep basketball.
Game 1: Potter's House 60, Huntington Expression 58
The opening game wasted no time delivering drama.
Potter's House Christian controlled most of the first half, but Huntington Expression Prep stormed back in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to just one point at 41–40. With under three minutes left, Chinaza Ezeani drilled a huge three-pointer to give Huntington Expression a six-point cushion.
Alanna Tatum with the blocked shot
But Potter's House refused to fold.
Behind stifling late-game defense and timely scoring, they erased the deficit and closed out the game for a hard-fought 60–58 victory.
Potter's House Christian Leaders:
- Kennedi Tatum: 15 points
- Benedicta Asare: 11 points
Huntington Expression Prep Leaders:
- Nala Koletzki: 18 points
- Chinaza Ezeani: 15 points, 9 rebounds
Game 2: Ft. Erie 81, Academy of Central Florida 55
The first Power Conference matchup of the day brought fireworks early.
Amelia Sowe drives to the bucket for two points
Ft. Erie exploded for 25 first-quarter points, building a 17-point lead and controlling the game from start to finish. Their depth, pace, and size proved too much as the Canadian powerhouse rolled to an 81–55 win.
Ft. Erie International Leaders:
- Amelia Sow: 24 points, 8 rebounds
- Elizabeth Jegede: 15 points
- Lexi Anderson: 13 points, 9 rebounds
Academy of Central Florida Leaders:
- Alba Lemon: 20 points, 9 rebounds
- Gabriela Flores: 13 points
- Maria Fernanda Silva: 10 points
Game 3: Legion Prep 69, Life Prep 48
Legion Prep—ranked #11 nationally by ESPN—showed exactly why they’re considered one of the top programs in America.
Jacy Abii with the layup for two
They established a 9-point lead after the first quarter, then unleashed a defensive masterpiece in the second, holding Life Prep to just two points. The lead ballooned, and Legion cruised to a commanding 69–48 win.
Legion Prep Leaders:
- Jacy Abii (Notre Dame commit): 24 points
- Kamora Pruitt: 16 points
Life Prep Leaders:
- Lili Szabo: 28 points, six 3-pointers
- Mariana Diaz: 13 points
Game 4: Royal Crown (Toronto) 86, Hamilton Heights 65
Royal Crown delivered one of the most complete team performances of the day.
Eunicia Salgado drives to the basket and scores for Royal Crown
After a tight first half, the Canadian squad broke the game open in the third quarter with a 9-0 run that pushed the lead to 16. From that point forward, Royal Crown controlled every phase of the game—especially the glass.
Royal Crown School Leaders:
- Eunice Salgado: 25 points, 19 rebounds (dominant performance)
- Akelia Bailey: 15 points
- Beata Musa: 14 points
- Chance Berry: 13 points
- Amaya Robinson: 10 points
Royal Crown also won the rebounding battle 47–35.
Hamilton Heights Leaders:
- Kamora Moore: 21 points
- Aminata Sowe: 15 points
- Binetou Diop: 10 points
- Danica Lazic: 10 points
Game 5: DME Academy 89, Bella Vista 56
The home team delivered a statement.
Ranked #4 in the USA by ESPN, DME opened the game with a stunning 14–0 run and never looked back. Their size, speed, and defensive pressure overwhelmed Bella Vista throughout the game.
DME Sports Academy Leaders:
- Sara Okeke: 22 points
- Chikae Desdunes: 15 points
- Timani Harris: 15 points
- Gigi Battle (Indiana commit): 14 points
DME also dominated the boards, winning the rebounding battle 50–32.
Sara Okeke dominated with a 22 point performance
Bella Vista Prep Leaders:
- Izabella Juarez: 28 points
- Mackenzie Buckner: 14 points
Game 6: Example Academy 80, Grind Prep 75 – The Game of the Day
The finale was everything a Grind Session showcase should be—tough, fast, competitive, and filled with big plays on both ends.
For three quarters, neither team led by more than three points as both squads traded shot-for-shot and run-for-run. Early in the fourth quarter, Example Academy finally broke through, building a 15-point lead behind sharpshooters Shaina James and Malika Jenkins.
But Grind Prep wasn’t done.
Shania James drains the three!
They battled all the way back to tie the game in the closing minutes, refusing to quit. Example Academy, however, held steady in the final possessions to escape with an 80–75 victory.
Example Academy Leaders:
- Marlee-Michele Coleman: 23 points
- Shaina James: 21 points
- Malika Jenkins: 15 points
Grind Prep Leaders:
- Jayla Jackson: 26 points
- De’Andra Minor: 22 points
Final Thoughts – A Historic Start in Daytona Beach
Day 1 of the all-women’s Grind Session event showcased:
- Elite talent from across the U.S. and Canada
- Two ESPN Top-11 teams (DME & Legion Prep) dominating
- Breakout stars and future NCAA standouts
- A thrilling finale that set the tone for the weekend
The women’s game continues to rise—and the Grind Session is right at the center of its growth.
Day 2 promises even more high-level matchups as teams settle in and continue their fight to make history at the first women-only Grind Session showcase.
