Day One Recap – Grind Session Toronto Tips Off with Intensity at the Pan Am Centre
Toronto, Canada — The opening day of Grind Session Toronto delivered everything fans hoped for — high-level competition, clutch performances, and international flavor inside the Pan Am Centre. Four games highlighted the day, featuring both men’s and women’s matchups showcasing programs from the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Game 1: Mt. Zion Prep (USA) 78, Star Alliance (Italy) 69
The action tipped off with a hard-fought battle between Mt. Zion Prep and Star Alliance of Italy. Mt. Zion pulled away late for a 78–69 victory behind a dominant performance from Jasiah Cannady, who posted 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Jacob Canton added 17 points and 4 assists, while Zion Green contributed 10 points in the win.
Star Alliance vs Mt Zion
Star Alliance stayed within striking distance most of the way, led by Brian Angeletti with 18 points and Riccardo Crestan with 15. Ricards Aizpurs chipped in 11 for the Italian squad.
Mt. Zion returns to action tomorrow at 12:45 p.m. vs. DNA Prep, while Star Alliance faces iSchool at 11 a.m.
Game 2: Royal Crown (Canada) 101, iSchool (USA) 71
In front of the home crowd, Royal Crown put on a show in their first appearance of the season, defeating iSchool 101–71 in convincing fashion.
Kymani Walters led the way with a balanced stat line of 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals, while Jacob McGregoradded 15 points and 5 rebounds.
school fast break dunk
For iSchool, Parker Bolden was a bright spot with 18 points and 5 boards, but Royal Crown’s size and tempo proved too much to overcome.
Royal Crown is set to play SEPA at 6 p.m. Saturday, while iSchool opens Day 2 against Star Alliance at 11 a.m..
Game 3: SEPA (USA) 83, Ft. Erie (Canada) 81
The day’s most dramatic finish came courtesy of CJ Rosser Jr., who drained a buzzer-beater to lift SEPA past Ft. Erie83–81.
Rosser tallied 18 points, 7 rebounds, and a steal, while Beckham Black led the team with 22 points and 12 assists in a dazzling two-way performance.
SEPA vs Ft Erie
Ft. Erie’s Promis N’landu was electric with 31 points, and teammates Anthony Ponga and Deng-Ngor each added 15 points in the narrow loss.
SEPA will meet Royal Crown on Saturday at 6 p.m., while Ft. Erie faces DNA Prep at 2:15 p.m. Sunday.
Game 4 (Women’s): Royal Crown (Canada) 81, Legion Prep (USA) 72
The women’s nightcap featured another Royal Crown victory, this time courtesy of Chance Berry, who exploded for 35 points and 7 rebounds to lead her team past Legion Prep, 81–72.
Yohana Fami was strong inside with 19 points and 10 rebounds, securing a double-double.
Royal Crown battle Legion Prep
Jacy Abii led Legion Prep with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Rieyan DeSouze added 15 points and 12 boards.
Royal Crown’s women will take on Example Academy (Chicago) at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, while Legion Prep meets Ft. Erie’s women’s team at 2:30 p.m.
Up Next
Day Two promises more elite basketball as teams fight to position themselves early in the Grind Session season. Fans can follow all updates, stats, and highlights right here on TheGrindSession.com.
