December 4–7 · Elite Prep Basketball · Kentucky’s Next Big Stage
Basketball fans are counting the hours until The Grind Session rolls into Owensboro, Kentucky, for a four-day showcase loaded with national power, breakout talent, and storylines that stretch from coast to coast—and around the globe.
Top Players to watch in Owensboro this weekend.
Games will be played at the Owensboro Sportscenter, while fans will also be treated to a pair of Saturday-morning matchups at Tillman High School Gym in Paducah tipping off at 10:30 AM. Every game of the weekend will be broadcast live on the Grind Session YouTube channel and produced for a growing global audience via the Tanager Sports Network.
Power Conference Headliners — Prolific Prep
Three of the premier guards in North America will lead Prolific Prep into Kentucky:
- Caleb Holt (5★ · SG · 2026 · #6 for 2026 by ESPN) makes his long-awaited Grind Session debut this weekend after returning from injury. The seniors first half of the season was derailed, but fans finally get to see the dynamic perimeter creator in full force.
- Bruce Branch II (Athletic 2-way guard · ESPN SC Next #2 ranked) is a downhill athlete, disruptive defender, and transition finisher with highlight-seeking explosiveness.
- Nasir Anderson (Combo scorer · ESPN SC Next #11 ranked) brings shot-creation and clutch scoring into the mix for a Prolific backcourt that will turn Owensboro into appointment viewing.
The 3 time defending Grind Session Champions entered last week ranked #1 in the ESPN Top 2025-26 poll, but after dropping an 65-64 loss to Tennessee Collegiate Academy thriller in Dallas, expect a poll shift—one that only heightens the “bounce-back” energy coming into Kentucky.
Southeastern Prep (SEPA) — Loaded with Legacy & Rankings
The most star-laden roster entering Owensboro belongs to Southeastern Prep Academy, led by a deep collection of ranked national-class talent:
- Beckham Black (Lead guard · #9 ESPN SC NEXT · proven tour-stop stabilizer)
- CJ Rosser (Rim-impact rebounder/finisher · ESPN SC NEXT #4 ranked)
- Obinna Ekezie Jr. (7’ interior force · ESPN SC NEXT #5 ranked)
- Jaxon Richardson (6’3” Wing · Son of NBA vet Jason Richardson) → Carrying bona-fide hoops royalty, Jaxon enters as one of SEPA’s most intriguing young risers.
Legacy Lineage — Jason Richardson & Jaxon Richardson
Jaxon Richardson carries a deep basketball thread. He is the son of Jason Richardson, the former Michigan State and 14-season NBA guard who made two dunk contest trophies a brand and pro career staple. The pedigree is real. The talent is rising.
DME, Central Florida, and More National-Stage Risers
- DME Academy will bring 2027 star PG Ryan Hampton, a young guard who is already rewriting the varsity production timeline with elite poise and shotmaking ability.
- Academy of Central Florida sophomore Martay Barnes returns for his second season on the Grind Session, now a polished, 4-star ranked combo guard who has serious momentum both on the playmaking ascendancy and recruiting radar.
Also competing this weekend:
- Bradley Floyd (ESPN Top-25 ranked standout) for Winston‑Salem Christian Academy brings positional IQ, scoring versatility, and stop-to-stop reliability.
- Gillion Academy is rising fast and brings a trio of breakout national-conference talent:
- Marcis Ponder (Center, 6’11”, versatile interior presence · ESPN Top-25 ranked)
- Willie Burnett III (Mississippi State commit · gritty 3-level shotmaker)
- AJ Cunningham (6'9" · 2027 wing · first national live-look) → Long, fluid, and upside-rich.
Canada’s 2028 Engine — Kenyon St. Louis
The 2028 side of the event has its own must-watch story:
Kenyon St. Louis (True Wing · #2 ranked in Canada for 2028) for Winston‑Salem Christian Academy. The young wing was a starter for the Canadian U16 team, took home silver on the FIBA circuit, and brings offense orchestration, composure, and serious breakout potential.
Women’s Division — Star Guards & Young Breakouts
The girls side will have star power and young momentum too:
- Porsche Reisen (Power Conference leader) for Ft Erie Academy Prep
- Tink Gary (True freshman talent · early breakout potential) for Albuquerque women
- Kamora Moore (Scoring guard for Hamilton Heights)
- Shania James (Quick, push-ahead PG · fast-break menace + shotmaking blur) for Example Prep Academy will lead her team into town with explosiveness in the transition.
Saturday Morning Kentucky Bonus Games
Two Saturday-morning gems tip at Tillman High School Gym at 10:30 AM:
- Henderson County (KY) vs. MCCLuer North (MO)
- Briarcrest Christian (TN) vs. Albuquerque Prep (NM)
Broadcast & Fan Reach
- All games streamed live on YouTube — Grind Session Channel
- Coverage by Tanager Sports Broadcast Team
What to Expect
✔ Injury returns (Caleb Holt live debut)
✔ Ranked backcourts from Prolific and SEPA
✔ Emerging stars from Central Florida, Gillion, and Winston-Salem
✔ A stacked event where every featured prospect is ESPN top-50 in their class
This Owensboro showcase will deliver the moments that fuel recruit boards, fan debates, and player breakouts for years to come inside the Grind Session ecosystem. Stay tuned—Kentucky is up next.
