The Grind Session returns to the Atlanta area this weekend for the second USA leg of the 2025 circuit, bringing with it a loaded slate of games featuring elite prospects, powerhouse prep programs, and some of the most anticipated individual matchups of the season. All games will be played November 21–23 at Saint Francis High School, the home of this week’s “Top Prospects To Watch.”
This weekend’s event shines a spotlight on nine standout athletes — all of them projected high-major Division I players, some already ranked inside the ESPN Top 100. Several are coming off dominant performances earlier this month and will look to elevate their stock even further under the bright lights of Milton.
Before the Grind Session breaks for Thanksgiving, teams will make one more stop: a historic moment in Florida. On Monday, November 24, the Grind Session will head to Daytona Beach for its first-ever ALL WOMEN’S Power Conference Event, hosted at DME Sports Academy, featuring powerhouse girls programs from across the country. But first — all eyes are on Georgia.
Must-See Matchups: Friday Night Headliners
Ft. Erie International vs. Gillion Academy
The weekend opens with a heavyweight showdown between Canada’s Fort Erie International Academy and the star-studded Gillion Academy.
All eyes will be on:
- Marcis Ponder ( Gillion Academy ) — The 6'10 Florida State commit is one of the most dominant interior players on the circuit. Coming off several monster rebounding and shot-blocking performances – including a triple-double last weekend – Ponder is one of the top prospects to watch in Milton.
- Deng Ngor and Promis N’lanu ( Ft. Erie International ) — Both are rising stars in Canada and major recruiting targets. Ngor’s length and defensive versatility combined with N’lanu’s inside scoring make Ft. Erie a dangerous matchup.
This will be a true test of size, strength, and toughness in the paint — and a tone-setter for the entire weekend.
Zephyrhills vs. Royal Crown
Immediately following the opener, fans will witness another major USA-vs-Canada clash.
The spotlight will shine on:
- Toni Bryant ( Zephyrhills Christian ) — A legitimate five-star senior, Bryant is one of the top overall players in America and a clear NBA-track prospect. His length, athleticism, and scoring ability make him a matchup nightmare.
- Andy Gemao & Royal Crown School (Toronto) — Royal Crown brings a deep roster highlighted by Andy Gemao, one of the smoothest guards in Canada, capable of heating up quickly and setting the pace.
Friday night’s double-header brings international flavor, high-level talent, and major implications for player rankings heading into the December stretch.
Saturday Spotlight Games: Premier Teams Collide
Bella Vista Prep (Arizona) vs. Ft. Erie International
One of the most intriguing matchups on Saturday pairs Arizona’s Bella Vista Prep against Canada’s Ft. Erie in a cross-border collision.
Top prospects to watch include:
- Jordan Charles ( Bella Vista ) — A dynamic scorer and one of the breakout stars of the season.
- Promis N’lanu & Deng Ngor ( Ft. Erie International ) — Back for a second day of action. How Bella Vista handles Ft. Erie’s length will be critical.
Expect fast pace, athleticism on full display, and plenty of scoring.
DME Academy (Florida) vs. Gillion Academy
Saturday continues with a battle between DME Academy and Gillion Academy, two programs built on toughness and guard play.
Key players include:
- Ryan Hampton (DME) — One of the most underrated guards in the country. Strong, confident, and capable of taking games over.
- Willie Burnett III (Gillion) — A Mississippi State commit and ESPN Top 100 guard. Burnett is explosive, physical, and capable of putting up 30+ on any night.
- Marcis Ponder (Gillion) — Coming off one of the biggest statistical weekends of any player in the country. His matchup with DME’s frontcourt should be must-see action.
Zephyrhills Christian vs. West Oaks
The final game of Saturday might be the most intense of the entire event.
- Toni Bryant (Zephyrhills) — Returning for his second big showcase of the weekend.
- West Oaks Academy — A tough, physical team with excellent guard play and the ability to push tempo.
Both programs play with passion, toughness, and no fear — setting up a Saturday night battle that should feel like a postseason game.
Top Prospects to Watch in Milton
From your “Top Prospects to Watch” list, here are the headliners who will take the floor this weekend at Saint Francis:
- Marcis Ponder – Gillion Academy (Florida commit)
- Willie Burnett III – Gillion Academy (Mississippi State commit, ESPN Top 100)
- Deng Ngor – Ft. Erie International
- Promis N’lanu – Ft. Erie International
- Andy Guam – Royal Crown (Canada)
- Ryan Hampton – DME Academy
- Jordan Charles – Bella Vista Prep
- Toni Bryant – Zephyrhills Christian (5-star senior)
- Jayden Williams – West Oaks
Each of these players has a chance to be the breakout star of the weekend — and several are already trending upward with national scouts and college coaches.
Next Stop: Daytona Beach — First-Ever All-Women’s Grind Session Event
Immediately after the Milton showcase wraps on Sunday, the Grind Session heads straight south to Florida for a landmark moment:
Grind Session Women’s Showcase
DME Sports Academy – Daytona Beach, FL
Monday, November 24-26
This is the first full women’s-only Grind Session Power Conference event in league history, showcasing elite girls programs, top national prospects, and the rising stars of the Power Conference.
With powerhouse programs like DME Academy, Grind Prep (OK), Academy of Central Florida, and other top girls teams scheduled to compete, this event will spotlight the fastest-growing side of the Grind Session platform.
It’s a must-watch showcase — and the perfect lead-in to the Thanksgiving break.
Final Word
The Milton, Georgia event is shaping up to be one of the most exciting weekends of the season — loaded with ranked prospects, USA-Canada battles, superstar matchups, and storylines that will shape December’s national rankings.
Then, without skipping a beat, the Grind Session makes history on November 24th with its first-ever women’s Power Conference event in Daytona Beach.
Two states. Two events. One unforgettable week of Grind Session basketball.
