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Grind Session Heads to Florida: Pompano Beach Set to Host First U.S. Event of the Season at Highlands Christian Academy

Pompano Beach FL
By: Rick Manahan
Obinna Ekezie Jr. makes debut for Southeastern Prep Academy (SEPA) this weekend in Florida

Obinna Ekezie Jr. makes debut for Southeastern Prep Academy (SEPA) this weekend in Florida

After two international stops to open the 2025-26 season, the Grind Session returns to U.S. soil for its first domestic showcase of the year at Highlands Christian Academy in beautiful Pompano Beach, Florida. The three-day event will bring together a powerful field of prep programs—both men’s and women’s—featuring elite prospects, international standouts, and several highly anticipated team debuts.

Boca Raton Schedule

Boca Raton Schedule

This weekend marks the first time all international stars are expected to compete without travel or visa restrictions, creating one of the deepest and most exciting early-season lineups on the Grind Session calendar.

Teams Competing in Pompano Beach

A total of 12 teams will hit the floor across the boys and girls divisions.

Men’s Division

Women’s Division

Spotlight: Saturday Night Showdowns

Saturday’s finale will showcase two of the most anticipated games of the early Grind Session season.

Prolific Prep vs. Gillion Academy

The first marquee matchup of the night pits Prolific Prep—loaded once again with elite national and international prospects—against Gillion Academy, a rising powerhouse stocked with star talent of their own. Both teams play fast, physical, and above the rim, making this a can’t-miss showdown for fans and scouts alike.

Academy of Central Florida vs. Southeastern Prep Academy (SEPA)

The Saturday nightcap is already drawing national attention as Obinna Ekezie Jr. makes his season debut on the Grind Session floor—now wearing SEPA colors after transferring from Prolific Prep. His first matchup comes against a tough Academy of Central Florida squad, setting up a dramatic storyline and a high-energy finish to the evening.

Women’s Division: Three Games With Major Storylines

The girls division features three strong matchups, including one of the country’s top young stars.

Friday, 5:15 PM — Grind Prep (OK) vs. Academy of Central Florida (Women)

The event tips off with a competitive matchup between two well-coached programs. Grind Prep brings toughness and pace, while ACF features a strong mix of athleticism and shot-making.

Saturday, 11:45 AM — DME Academy vs. Grind Prep (OK)

This matchup features Gigi Battle, DME’s dynamic guard and future Indiana Hoosier, who continues to prove why she’s one of the most exciting players in the nation. Her matchup with Grind Prep’s defensive intensity should deliver a high-level contest.

Sunday, 6:00 PM — Academy of Central Florida (Women) vs. DME Academy

The weekend closes with a primetime battle between two Florida programs who know each other well. With DME’s star power and ACF’s discipline and depth, this will be a must-watch finale.

What Makes This Event Special

  • First U.S. event of the season after international showcases in Europe and Canada.
  • Full rosters expected, with no visa delays for international stars.
  • Elite matchups across both men’s and women’s divisions.
  • Debut of Obinna Ekezie Jr. with SEPA—one of the most intriguing early-season storylines.
  • Future college stars on display, including DME’s Gigi Battle.
  • A venue known for atmosphere, Highlands Christian Academy promises a lively environment throughout all three days.

Get Ready for a Big Weekend in Florida

With powerhouse programs, star-studded rosters, and marquee storylines, the Pompano Beach stop is shaping up to be one of the strongest early events of the 2025-26 Grind Session circuit. Fans in South Florida will get a rare chance to watch some of the top prep talent in the world under one roof.

For schedule updates, photos, recaps, and player features, stay tuned to GrindSession.com.

See you courtside in Pompano Beach!

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Grind Session

Grind Session

Grind Session is the first-ever winter circuit of elite high school basketball events. In past seasons, our teams have played in some of the greatest and most unique cities across the U.S., as well as Canada, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. From November to March over 400 action-packed games will be played. Grind Session is more than just great games: it's an opportunity to prepare for the next chapter of your basketball career.

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