The Grind Session wrapped up its season with a two-weekend match filled with depth and high-level battles in each spherical. The championship matchup between Prolific Prep and Southeastern Prep was loaded with expertise, arguably the 2 most gifted groups within the nation, and it’s onerous to think about a greater head-to-head even at Chipotle Nationals.
Grind Session Season Awards:
MVPCaleb Holt – Prolific Prep 2026 (Arizona)
Offensive Participant of the YearBeckham Black – Southeastern Prep 2027
Defensive Participant of the YearMarcis Ponder – Gillion Academy 2026 (Florida State)
Underclassman Participant of the YearKenyon St. Louis – Winston Salem Christian 2028
Coach of the YearMarcus Wilson – Academy of Central Florida
Champions
Alex Smith 6’10, 195 PF – Prolific Prep (2026, Ohio State)
Smith was named MVP of the championship sport towards Southeastern Prep for his clutch capturing to attain 15 factors (5-9 FG, 5-8 3PT) within the 68-62 win. He was massive within the first half to assist erase a double-digit deficit to knock down a number of 3s in a row. He solely took 6 2PT shot makes an attempt over 4 video games however his worth is available in figuring out his function, spacing the ground and letting it fly from deep. He didn’t hesitate or present any wasted movement in his shot, mixed together with his dimension to shoot over defenders. He additionally confirmed he can shoot on the transfer on a number of performs. He did wrestle at instances on the defensive finish when getting switched on faster guards on the perimeter however performed inside himself offensively. Smith averaged 11.3 factors (51.7% FG%, 60.9% 3PT%) and three.8 rebounds per sport over the match.
Caleb Holt 6’5, 205 SG – Prolific Prep (2026, Arizona)
Holt shot nicely from 3PT (40% 3PT% on 3.8 3PTA). He shoots with minimal dribbles to step into his shot, squaring up rapidly when capturing on the transfer, and his kind seems to be nice as his physique doesn’t waste movement whereas getting excellent arc and ball rotation. He had some robust drives to the rim, penetrating nicely with triple menace or off the dribble whereas initiating contact within the paint to shoot 7.3 free throws per sport. He performs massive for his place on each ends and grabbed 7.5 (2.5 offensive) rebounds per sport. He was superb defensively as nicely, using his quickness and physicality to disrupt his man and defend larger gamers when wanted, coming away with 1.8 steals per sport. Holt averaged 20.3 factors per sport on 45% FG%.
Bruce Department 6’7, 195 SF – Prolific Prep (2026, BYU)
Department displayed his pure scoring capability with 16.5 factors per sport on an environment friendly 48.9% FG%. There are occasions when he shoots that you already know it’s off as he’s releasing, so there’s room for a extra constant launch, however he nonetheless shot a excessive clip at 46.2% 3PT% on 3.3 makes an attempt per sport. He created for himself nicely and has a pleasant midrange sport, additionally using his dimension close to the basket. There’s nonetheless room for his offense to develop and he already has the bodily make-up for a top-level wing. He did a great job passing with 3 assists to 1.2 turnovers per sport and rebounded nicely on each ends, securing with two-hands within the crowded paint to finish up with 8 (3.5 offensive) rebounds per sport. He was additionally good on the defensive finish, leaping passes (2.5 steals) and averaging a block per sport due to his size and instincts.
Davion Adkins 6’9, 210 C – Prolific Prep (2026, Kansas)
Adkins’ affect can differ fairly a bit relying on the sport. He’s succesful dealing with up and reveals contact on his soar hook to attain within the low publish. He had some massive dunks and is an athlete but additionally missed a number of unnecessarily attempting to throw it down too onerous. He struggles to catch the ball too usually, with some scoring alternatives turning into turnovers. He averaged 8 factors per sport on 46.2% FG% and three.8 rebounds per sport. The realm the place Adkins was probably the most constant was defending the paint, with 1.5 blocks per sport
Nasir Anderson 6’4, 215 PG – Prolific Prep (2026)
Anderson confirmed spectacular burst in addition to ball-handling. Regardless of being left-hand dominant, he will get the place he needs with the ball. He’s robust, explosive, and has good physique management taking it to the basket, typically whipping a formidable cross off the assault. He can set-up teammates nicely when creating offense, which may additionally carry turnovers however the good outweighs the unhealthy with 5 assists to 2.8 turnovers per sport. He rebounds nicely for some extent guard (5.5 per sport) and was fast to place again a number of offensive boards into baskets. He competed and disrupted on the defensive finish, defending full courtroom to create havoc, and deflected a variety of passes. His capturing and scoring effectivity wants to enhance, even floaters and different photographs across the basket lacks constant contact. Andeson scored 9.5 factors per sport on 42.1% FG%. He additionally shot 1-7 3PT a 5-12 FT over the 4 video games.
Runner Up
Jaxon Richardson 6’5, 205 SG – Southeastern Prep (2026, Alabama)
Richardson was efficient off the ball, chopping and crashing the glass, scoring on a number of tip dunks over the match. His soar shot can enhance consistency, going 2-10 from 3PT vary over 4 video games. He makes the additional cross and might make a formidable learn mid-drive. Whereas he had a restricted scoring output at 7.8 factors per sport, he was environment friendly at 56.5% FG% and stood out extra on the defensive finish; harassing the ball, leaping passes (1.8 steals), and rapidly elevating for blocks (2 per sport). He’s additionally a robust rebounder for his place with 6.5 per sport.
Toni Bryant 6’9, 215 PF – Southeastern Prep (2026, Missouri)
Bryant scored within the paint and confirmed some contact inside shut. He can sometimes stretch the ground nicely however solely shot 1-9 from distance for the match. He was alert for the cross and efficient chopping to the rim however mishandled some alley-oops and different passes regardless of getting two palms on them. He blocked 1.5 photographs per sport however could be more durable when defending the inside in addition to going up stronger when scoring down low, seeming to second guess himself when he has the ball at instances. Bryant was strong total in Southeastern’s match run with 10 factors on 46.7% FG%, together with 6 rebounds per sport.
CJ Rosser 6’10, 195 PF – Southeastern Prep (2027)
Rosser was greatest slashing to the rim the place he can make the most of his lengthy strides, size, and total athleticism. Whereas bothered by contact, he can nonetheless make his method to the rim to complete over defenders. He shot very nicely within the second sport towards Huntington, scoring 19 factors within the first quarter. When he’s persistently hitting from the surface, he’s too onerous to cease. Nevertheless, he can accept fast contested 3s, in the end capturing 26.9% 3PT% on 6.5 makes an attempt per sport. Persevering with so as to add consistency to his outdoors capturing in addition to his fadeaway might be essential transferring ahead. His free throw capturing may also enhance at 66.7% however he does an awesome job drawing fouls, capturing 6 free throw makes an attempt per sport. He blocked 2 photographs per sport and might impress on the defensive finish. Rosser averaged 19.8 factors on 46.7% capturing and grabbed 7.5 (2.8 offensive) rebounds per sport.
Beckham Black 6’3, 180 PG – Southeastern Prep (2027)
Black (pictured) was nice choosing aside the protection within the half-court and main in transition. His cross-court passing is unbelievable, and he hit shooters within the pocket quite a few instances over the course of their 4 video games. He’s poised and accountable for creating a lot offense for his staff, averaging 10 assists to three.8 turnovers per sport. His capability to affect the sport with out scoring is unbelievable however his scoring effectivity can enhance, capturing 36.4% FG% on his 16.3 factors per sport. He has a great low middle of gravity and handles contact nicely, as a ball-handler and scoring beneath the basket on a number of events. He shot a dependable 26-29 whole from the foul line. His 3PT capturing can enhance consistency at 33.3% on 5.3 makes an attempt per sport however he’s succesful from the perimeter. Black additionally rebounds very nicely for his place, flattening 7 boards per sport (greater than massive males teammates Bryant and Ekezie).
Obinna Ekezie Jr. 7’0, 220 C – Southeastern Prep (2027)
Ekezie was greatest scoring within the paint, and he attracts a variety of consideration from the protection, scoring 13.3 factors per sport on 47.5% FG%. He had some dunks and performs inside near the basket. He wants some work offensively, turning it over at instances (2.5 per sport), touring or choosing up offensive fouls at instances. He isn’t constant together with his faceup sport (2-7 3PT) or free throw capturing (13-22) however reveals a basis to work with. He rebounded decently nicely with 6 per sport and saved a variety of possessions alive with 3 offensive per sport. He supplies probably the most worth proper now defending the paint, blocking 2 photographs per sport.
Remaining 4
Ryan Hampton 6’6, 190 SG – DME Academy (2027)
Hampton flashed capability and was strong within the first 2 video games, however his greatest sport was within the Remaining 4 loss to Prolific Prep 91-80. He nonetheless wants some work cleansing up his half-court offensive sport and he can undergo stretches with out a contact whereas standing on the perimeter however confirmed some offensive functionality. With lengthy strides and arms, he has the instruments, scoring on the rim some and even dealt with contact to complete after bumping the defender’s chest on a number of performs. He wasn’t actual turnover susceptible however can tighten up offensively, recording just one help and 5 turnovers whole over the three video games; getting free together with his deal with, passing, or getting caught in site visitors. Hampton averaged 16 factors on 54.1% FG% and 5.3 (2 offensive) rebounds per sport.
Ok’Majay Jenkins 6’6, 180 SF – DME Academy (2028)
Jenkins had a really robust efficiency in DME’s Remaining 4 run on an extremely environment friendly 18.7 factors per sport on 67.7% FG%. He has a great bodily profile and performed like a senior. He had some robust takes to the rim and had some spectacular finishes on robust layups with both hand. He additionally stood out defensively, together with his versatility to protect a number of completely different positions whereas coming away with a complete of 5 steals and 5 blocks in 3 video games, very spectacular for a fringe participant. He additionally rebounded nicely with 7 per sport, 2 offensively. Jenkins confirmed lots functionality as a shooter, making 4 of his 6 makes an attempt from the perimeter, however didn’t fall in love with settling from outdoors and was greatest attacking the rim.
Martay Barnes 6’2, 170 PG/SG – Academy of Central Florida (2026, Florida State)
Barnes is a pleasant two-guard, taking part in nicely off the ball however can function a secondary ball-handler. He made some good passes within the half-court in addition to on the break but additionally recorded a number of turnovers as nicely with 4.3 assists to three.3 turnovers per sport. Central Florida will get a variety of fastbreak alternatives, as they persistently put strain on the ball, entice, and push the ball as usually as attainable; Barnes is nice within the defensive scheme with 3 steals per sport. He has some quickness and is a strong athlete within the open ground with a number of transition dunks. He’s a high-volume shooter and scorer with 16.7 (11.3 3PT) photographs per sport however he had a extremely environment friendly match with 24.3 factors per sport on 52% FG% and shot very nicely from the perimeter at 47.1% 3PT%.
Marlon Martinez 6’5 180 SG – Academy of Central Florida (2027)
Martinez began sluggish with a 4-point sport to open the match however would showcase his scoring within the later rounds. He sometimes performs off the ball and is a high-level shooter, flattening 46.2% of his 3PT makes an attempt whereas capturing 8.6 per sport. He can cross a bit however isn’t a heavy playmaker with 4 assists to 7 turnovers whole. He most likely might have appeared to assault the rim extra, solely capturing 1 free throw in 4 video games however he has an understanding of taking part in nicely inside the move and didn’t hunt his scoring alternatives. He hit some massive photographs towards Southeastern Prep within the Remaining 4 however couldn’t come away with the win. Martinez averaged 16.3 factors whereas capturing 51.4% from the ground.
Second Spherical
Willie Burnett 6’5, 175 PG/SG – Gillion Academy (2026, Mississippi State)
Burnett confirmed his big-time scoring capability, hitting photographs from all around the courtroom. He used his crossover, hesitations, and pivots nicely to create offense. He made loads of pull-ups within the face of the defender in addition to fadeaways from deep within the midrange. He could be free with the ball and shot choice will have to be higher on the subsequent degree, however he’s lots gifted offensively. Burnett scored 28 factors (12-23 FG, 3-9 3PT), pulled down 9 (4 offensive) rebounds, and used his lengthy arms to file 3 steals within the 81-74 win over Royal Crown, and scored 17 factors (5-13 FG, 4-9 3PT) within the 2nd spherical loss to Prolific Prep 76-67.
Hendrik Pertel 6’7, SG – Huntington Expression Prep (2028)
Pertel was very spectacular within the 98-63 win towards Mt. Zion Prep with 27 factors (10-18 FG). He stood out as an athlete, taking it onerous to the rim and elevating nicely off one foot to complete with a number of dunks. He spaced the ground when applicable and confirmed a pleasant 3PT shot, going 2-4. He can add extra to his midrange, and he tends to play at one velocity, choosing up prices at instances. He was energetic on the boards as nicely with 8 rebounds, 4 approaching the offensive finish. He didn’t get the identical seems to be within the second sport towards Southeastern Prep, dropping 90-53. Every little thing was extra contested and he had fewer alternatives with their dimension and total expertise, with solely 5 factors (2-11 FG, 1-6 3PT).
First Spherical
Hugo Facorat 6’10, 200 C – Legacy SSS (2026)
Facorat scored 17 factors within the first spherical 85-61 loss to Southeastern Prep. He flashed some moments as a shooter and an athlete on the rim. He’s not very robust however he performed onerous. His shot choice isn’t superb, predetermining his shot no matter how the defender guards him. Regardless of his pressured offense, he shot 5-11 from the ground and 2-6 from 3PT. He has a hitch in his shot, which was extra evident on free throws, the place he shot 5-9. Facorat didn’t contribute a lot outdoors of scoring with 1 rebound and a pair of steals.
Zion Inexperienced 6’9, 190 SG – Mt. Zion Prep (2027)
Inexperienced had loads of spectacular moments with 23 factors (12-23 FG) within the loss to Huntington Expression Prep. Regardless of just one help and 5 turnovers, he has a watch for the courtroom, making some good reads and passes all through the sport. He did lose the ball at instances and must get stronger to deal with contact higher, typically choosing up his dribble early. His shot doesn’t look unhealthy, however he solely shot 1-4 from 3PT. He was energetic and did a great job crashing the offensive glass, the place he got here away with 4 of his 7 whole rebounds.
