The Grind Session’s first domestic showcase of the 2025–26 season brought three days of high-level matchups, breakout performances, and statement wins to Boca Raton, Florida. With elite men’s and women’s programs on the floor—several with complete rosters for the first time—this weekend had the feel of an early-season proving ground.
Below is the complete wrap-up of all the action, including Best Teams, Best Players, and the Top Breakout Performers who made major noise as the season rolls forward.
Friday Highlights
Gillion Academy 94, West Oaks 84 (Men)
One of the most emotional games of the weekend, as former West Oaks players and coaches now suited up for Gillion.
Aaron McGee with the fast break dunk
Gillion Standouts
- Willie Burnett – 31 pts
- Aaron McGee – 18 pts
- Marcis Ponder – 17 pts, 18 rebs, 15 blocks (TRIPLE-DOUBLE)
Ponder’s 15 blocks announced the start of a historic shot-blocking and rebounding weekend.
Academy of Central Florida 68, Grind Prep 64 (Women)
A four-quarter battle decided by toughness inside.
- Gabriela Bernal – 21 pts, 14 rebs
- Keren Bertel – 17
- Jayla Jackson (Grind Prep) – 22
Prolific Prep 84, Academy of Central Florida
Prolific’s Florida home debut was dominant.
Alex Smith with the blocked shot for Prolific Prep
- Nasir Anderson – 19 pts
- Alex Smith – 15 pts (4-for-5 from three)
SEPA 106, Mt. Zion 77
Southeastern Prep Academy’s first game with a full roster showcased elite guard play.
Beckham Black flys to the bucket for two points
- CJ Rosser Jr. – 25 pts
- Beckham Black – 21 pts
- Jaxon Richardson – 17 pts
Saturday Standouts
DME Academy 83, Grind Prep 52 (Women)
DME Sports Academy dominated with speed and depth.
Timani Harris with the blocked shot.
- Sara Okeke – 21 & 8
- Gigi Battle – 15
Zephyrhills Academy 87, DNA Prep 66
First of two games for Zephyrhills—and they looked elite.
- Ethan Knox – 18
- Toni Bryant – 16 pts, 11 rebs, 5 blocks
DME Academy 73, West Oaks 62
Game 1 of two games for DME men.
- Ryan Hampton – 21
- Yohane Kabongo – 13
Huntington Expression 74, Mt. Zion 67
- Taj Saragba – 12 pts, 16 rebs
Prolific Prep 75, Gillion Academy 60
A high-level Power Conference clash.
- Bruce Branch III – 25 pts, 13 rebs
- Marcis Ponder – 18 pts, 16 rebs, 8 blocks
Ponder’s two-game totals: 35 pts, 34 rebs, 23 blocks — the most dominant interior performance of the weekend.
SEPA 85, Academy of Central Florida 80
One of the best games of the event.
- Beckham Black – 25 pts
- CJ Rosser Jr. – 13 pts, 10 rebs
- Martay Barnes (ACF) – 25 pts
Sunday Finale
DME Academy 89, DNA Prep 55
DME’s second and final game was their sharpest outing.
- Ryan Hampton – 25
- Yohane Kabongo – 18
Zephyrhills Christian 76, Huntington Expression 62
Zephyrhills closed the weekend 2–0, looking like a top Power Conference team.
- Toni Bryant – 26 pts, 8 rebs
DME Academy 91, Academy of Central Florida 45 (Women)
Another commanding performance from DME’s women.
- Timani Harris – 19
- Sara Okeke – 15 & 10
- Gabriela Bernal (ACF) – 17 & 10
Weekend Honors
Below are multiple winners from the weekend, reflecting the depth and quality of performances in Boca Raton.
Men's Best Teams of the Weekend
Zephyrhills Christian (2–0)
Two strong wins
Elite rebounding
The unstoppable force of Toni Bryant
SEPA (2–0)
Explosive offense
Elite guard play
Richardson, Rosser, and Black all delivered big performances
DME Academy (2–0)
Professional efficiency
Elite scoring stretches
Hampton and Kabongo emerging as one of the best backcourts in the conference
Prolific Prep (2–0)
Stayed undefeated
Major statement against Gillion
Bruce Branch continues to be one of the most physical players on the circuit
Women's Bset Teams of the Weekend
DME Academy (2–0)
Most dominant team—period.
Balanced scoring, great defense, elite pace.
Academy of Central Florida (1–1)
Bernal was one of the weekend’s toughest players
Team chemistry improving fast
Top Players of the Weekend
Here are multiple standout players who rose above an already elite field.
1. Toni Bryant – Zephyrhills Christian
Toni Bryant with the throw down.
Weekend Averages: 21.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 4.0 BPG
A true two-way superstar.
2. Marcis Ponder – Gillion Academy
Totals: 35 pts, 34 rebs, 23 blocks
The most dominant interior force of the weekend.
3. Bruce Branch III – Prolific Prep
Bruce Branch III with the shot from the key
Power, athleticism, and next-level rebounding.
25 pts, 13 rebs vs Gillion
4. Ryan Hampton – DME Academy
A rising guard turning into a lead scorer.
25 points in Sunday finale
5. Beckham Black – SEPA
Poised, skilled, and clutch.
25 points vs ACF
6. Gabriela Bernal – ACF (Women)
One of the toughest two-way players all event.
21 points & 14 boards on Friday, 17 points & 10 boards on Sunday
7. Sara Okeke – DME (Women)
A dominant interior presence.
21 points & 8 boards + 15 points & 10 boards
8. Gigi Battle – DME (Women)
Efficient, calm, and elite defensively.
15 & 16 points in her two outings
Breakout Stars to Watch Moving Forward
Marcis Ponder – Gillion Academy
No player raised his national stock more.
Unreal motor + elite timing + SEC-ready physicality.
Ryan Hampton – DME Academy
Emerging as a reliable leader and clutch scorer.
Ethan Knox – Zephyrhills
High-energy guard who impacts winning in multiple ways.
Timani Harris – DME (Women)
Electric downhill athlete with elite upside.
Next up on the Circuit
- Atlanta Showcase – Nov. 21–23
- Daytona Beach Women’s-Only Event – Nov. 24–26
Stay tuned for full galleries, interviews, spotlight features, and updated Power Conference rankings on GrindSession.com.
