Saturday at the Grind Session Florida event brought high-level talent, elite performances, and competitive games from start to finish inside Boca Raton’s packed gym. With six games on the schedule, the action ranged from dominant wins to late-game battles that came down to execution in the closing minutes. Here is your complete day-two recap from the Sunshine State.
Game 1 – DME Academy (Women) 83, Grind Prep 52
DME Academy opened the day with a commanding 83–52 win over Grind Prep, taking control from the opening tip and never looking back.
Gigi Battle drives to the basket for two points in the win
Sara Okeke powered the DME with 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Indiana commit Gigi Battle added 15 points. Supporting the attack were Chikae Desdunes (11), Timani Harris (10), and Trinity Boone (10).
DME dominated the boards 46–35 and will close the event Sunday night.
Next Up:
• DME Academy vs Academy of Central Florida — Sunday, 6:00 PM
• Grind Prep: Finished for the event.
Game 2 – Zephyrhills Academy 87, DNA Prep 66
Zephyrhills Academy delivered a balanced team performance to take down DNA Prep 87–66.
Ethan Know led with 18 points, while Toni Bryant was outstanding with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Alexander Davis added 17, and Yale Davis chipped in 12.
DNA Prep was paced by Jayden Robinson and Shameek Casillas, who each scored 15 points, with Dylan McGhee and Emmanuel Garcia contributing 12 apiece. DNA won the rebounding battle 34–33, but Zephyrhills controlled the pace and the paint in key moments.
Next Up:
• Zephyrhills Academy vs Huntington Expression — Sunday, 4:15 PM
• DNA Prep vs DME Academy — Sunday, 2:30 PM
Game 3 – DME Academy (Men) 73, West Oaks 62
In an all-Florida matchup, DME Academy defeated West Oaks 73–62 behind efficient scoring and strong team defense.
Ryan Hampton drops two of his 21 points
Ryan Hampton led with 21 points, followed by Yohane Kabongo with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Nathan Kirk (12)and Patrik “PJ” Birmingham (10) rounded out a solid effort.
West Oaks was led by Jayden Williams (18), Moussa Sy (14), and Antonio Baymon (12).
Next Up:
• DME Academy vs DNA Prep — Sunday, 2:30 PM
• West Oaks: Finished for the event.
Game 4 – Huntington Expression 74, Mt. Zion Prep 67
Huntington Expression closed strong, pulling away late to beat Mt. Zion Prep 74–67.
Dazon Reid drives against Mt Zion Prep
Top performers for Huntington included:
• Dazon Reid – 13 points
• Taj Saragba – 12 points, 16 rebounds
• Hendrik Pertel – 12 points
Mt. Zion was led by Josiah Cannady (22), Jacob Canton (18), and Makel Minor (13).
Next Up:
• Huntington Expression vs Zephyrhills Academy — Sunday, 4:15 PM
• Mt. Zion: Finished for the event.
Game 5 – #1 Prolific Prep 75, Gillion Academy 60
The game of the day featured No. 1 Prolific Prep facing off with Gillion Academy in a matchup highlighted by physicality and elite talent.
Despite early foul trouble for star center Marcis Ponder, Gillion led 30–26 at halftime. But a crucial 10–0 Prolific Prep run with four minutes remaining in the third shifted momentum permanently.
Jojo Mokweza with the put back dunk for Prolific Prep
Bruce Branch posted a powerful 25-point, 13-rebound double-double, while Nasir Anderson (14) and MJ Madison (12) added efficient scoring.
Even dealing with fouls, Ponder nearly put up a triple-double: 18 points, 16 rebounds, 8 blocks. Aaron McGee (11), Christian Morrison Jr. (11), and Willie Burnett (12) also scored in double figures.
Both teams concluded their Florida weekend with this matchup.
Game 6 – Southeastern Prep Academy 85, Academy of Central Florida 80
The final game of the night brought one of the most competitive battles of the whole event as Southeastern Prep (SEPA)held off a furious rally to earn an 85–80 victory over Academy of Central Florida.
SEPA jumped out to a dominant 24–12 first-quarter lead, riding momentum and high-pressure defense. But Academy of Central Florida stormed back, outscoring SEPA in the middle quarters and eventually tying the game 62–62 heading into the fourth.
Beckham Black dribble drive for two points
From there, SEPA’s backcourt leadership took over.
Beckham Black was spectacular, pouring in 25 points and guiding his team through a poised and efficient fourth quarter. CJ Rosser delivered a strong double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Kellen Cantrell added 13 points of his own. Obinna Ekezie Jr. chipped in 12 points, and Jaxon Richardson pulled down 10 rebounds to secure key possessions down the stretch.
Academy of Central Florida was led by Martay Barnes, who scored 25 points, while Felipe Martinez added 16 in an impressive effort.
The win caps an excellent night for SEPA, while Academy of Central Florida will regroup for Sunday’s finale.
Sunday Schedule Preview
The Grind Session Florida event concludes tomorrow with three showcase matchups:
- 2:30 PM — DNA Prep vs DME Academy (Men)
- 4:15 PM — Zephyrhills Academy vs Huntington Expression (Men)
- 6:00 PM — DME Academy vs Academy of Central Florida (Women)
