Grind Session brings elite prep basketball talent to Bowling Green this weekend
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – Some of the top high school basketball talent from around the world is competing in Bowling Green this weekend as the Grind Session tournament takes over local courts.
The event brings elite prep programs together to showcase players who are considered among the best prospects at the high school level. Organizers say the circuit serves as more than just a competitive platform for athletes.
“It is a basketball platform, but at the same time it is also, it’s an educational tool,” said Dan Hudson with the Grind Session. “It’s a platform. It helps these kids, young men, young ladies figure out their purpose not only in basketball, but to figure out their purpose in life.”
The Grind Session began in Kentucky in 2013 and has grown into an international circuit, featuring teams made up of players from across the United States and beyond.
“The teams are made up of 94 different countries from around the world. It’s phenomenal,” Hudson said.
The games this weekend are as follows:
Saturday
5:00p – Gillion Academy (VA) vs. Royal Crown (Canada)
6:45p – Balboa School (FL) vs. DME Academy (FL)
8:30p – Huntington Expression Prep (WV) vs. Mt. Zion Prep (MD)
Sunday
10:30a – Fort Erie (Canada) vs Winner of Balboa School/DME Academy
12:15p – Southeastern Prep (FL) vs. Winner of Huntington Expression Prep/Mt. Zion Prep
2:00p – Prolific Prep (FL) vs. Winner of Gillion Academy/Royal Crown
3:45p – Academy of Central Florida (FL) vs. Anthem Prep (UT)
Local leaders say hosting an event of that scale brings both excitement and economic benefits to Bowling Green.
“For something like that to come to Bowling Green, it’s truly remarkable,” said Damion Wheeler, sports sales director for the Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Wheeler said events like the Grind Session attract visitors who stay in local hotels, eat at restaurants and support local businesses.
Coaches and organizers also say the event provides a valuable opportunity for young players in the community to see what it takes to compete at the highest levels.
“This is high level talent,” said Corey Wilford with the Grind Session Youth. “You know, the best of the best in the high school rankings… you’re literally going to see the future of the NBA.”
Top players featured this weekend according to 247Sports:
2027 #2 CJ Rosser, Junior Power Forward, Southeastern Prep (FL)
2027 #3 Beckham Black, Junior Point Guard, Southeastern Prep (FL)
2026 #4 Caleb Holt, Senior Shooting Guard, Arizona Commit, Prolific Prep (FL)
2027 #5 Ryan Hampton, Junior Small Forward, DME Academy (FL)
2026 #6 Bruce Branch III, Senior Small Forward, BYU Commit, Prolific Prep (FL)
2027 #6 Obinna Ekezie Jr., Junior Center, Southeastern Prep (FL)
2027 #9 Nasir Anderson, Junior Point Guard, Prolific Prep (FL)
2026 #21 Jaxon Richardson, Senior Small Forward, Alabama Commit, Southeastern Prep (FL)
2026 #27 Toni Bryant, Senior Power Forward, Mizzou Signee, Southeastern Prep (FL)
2027 #32 Zion Green, Junior Power Forward, Mt. Zion Prep (MD)
2028 #59 K’Majay Jenkins, Sophomore Small Forward, DME Academy (FL)
2026 #68 Marcis Ponder, Senior Center, Florida State Signee, Gillon Academy (VA)
Fans packed the stands to watch the action Friday, including young basketball players hoping to see impressive plays from the athletes on the court.
“Well, I’m kind of looking forward to see if there’s going to be any more, like, three pointers.” said Creighton, a young fan. “I’m looking forward to seeing if there’s, like, any more dunks,” Beau, another young fan said.
Organizers say they hope the event becomes a tradition in Bowling Green, giving the community a chance to watch rising basketball stars before they reach the next level.
Semifinals and the championship will be held next weekend at the Owensboro Sportcenter on March 21-22. For additional information on the Grind session, visit Grindsession.com.
