The Grind Session tipped off its Christian County showcase at Hopkinsville High School on Tuesday night, and Prolific Prep wasted no time sending a message. Behind elite scoring depth and nationally ranked star power, the Florida powerhouse which recently relocated from Napa Valley California rolled past Florida Coastal Prep 92–45 in the opening matchup of the four-day event.
Bruce Branch III with the put back dunk for Prolific Prep
The game began with a modest tempo, but once Prolific shook off its early jitters, the engines fired—and never shut down. Their defensive pressure, transition attack, and bench scoring overwhelmed Coastal Prep, turning the contest into a statement win.
Future Buckeye Alex Smith flies through the key for the bucket
Bruce Branch III #2 on SC Next Top 25 led Prolific Prep with 19 points, attacking from all levels and setting the tone. Close behind was ESPN top 10 senior Caleb Holt, currently ranked No. 6 in the country, who produced one of the most complete performances of the young event: 18 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and a block. Holt’s stat sheet dominance reinforced why he remains a priority target for elite college programs.
Caleb Holt finishes the fast break with a one hand slam
Five Firebirds finished in double figures, highlighting the depth that makes Prolific one of the most feared rosters in prep basketball. Ohio State commit Alex Smith posted 12 points, MJ Madison supplied 11, and Kansas-bound Davion Adkins added 10 to round out the scoring balance.
Florida Coastal Prep found its bright spot in Mickeis Johnson, who battled throughout the night and finished with 19 points. His production kept the game competitive early before Prolific’s tempo and defensive rebounding took control.
MJ Madison with the one-hand floater for two points
Prolific Prep earns a day off before returning to center stage on Thursday, December 11 at 8:30 p.m., where they’ll face Winston-Salem Christian (NC). Florida Coastal Prep returns on Friday at 8:30 p.m. against Lyon County.
Christian County Event Schedule Highlights
The Hopkinsville stop is the second straight week of Grind Session basketball in Kentucky and features powerhouse matchups across the men’s and women’s divisions before the circuit heads to Dallas next week and pauses for Christmas break.
Thursday, December 11
- 5:30 PM – Hopkinsville (KY) vs. Caldwell County (KY) – Women
- 7:00 PM – Christian County (KY) vs. Portland (TN) – Women
- 8:30 PM – Winston-Salem Christian (NC) vs. Prolific Prep (FL)
Friday, December 12
- 5:30 PM – Huntington Expression Prep (WV) vs. Winston-Salem Christian (NC)
- 7:00 PM – Pope John Paul II (TN) vs. Ridley College (Ontario, CAN)
- 8:30 PM – Lyon County (KY) vs. Florida Coastal Prep (FL)
Saturday, December 13
- 12:00 PM – Florida Coastal Prep (FL) vs. Bowling Green (KY)
- 1:45 PM – Hamilton Heights (TN) vs. Huntington Expression Prep (WV)
- 3:30 PM – Christian County (KY) vs. Evangel Christian (KY)
- 5:30 PM – Academy of Central Florida (FL) vs. DNA Prep (CA)
- 7:30 PM – Hopkinsville (KY) vs. Todd County Central (KY)
Sunday, December 14
- 11:00 AM – Ridley College (ON, CAN) vs. Academy of Central Florida (FL)
- 12:45 PM – DNA Prep (CA) vs. Hamilton Heights (TN)
All games are streamed live on The Grind Session YouTube channel, produced by Tanager Sports.
Looking Ahead
With nationally ranked talent, regional rivalries, and travel-tested teams converging on Hopkinsville, the week promises competitive matchups and standout individual performances. If Prolific Prep’s opening win was any indication, this Kentucky stop could set the tone for a thrilling December stretch as teams position themselves heading into the holiday break and the push toward postseason contention.
Stay tuned for nightly recaps, player spotlights, and broadcast coverage across Grind Session media platforms.
