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Now in its tenth season, The Grind Session has proven that it is here to stay. The first national league of non-traditional academy-type prep programs, the league has seen some of the nation’s most elite high school talent come through its doors, and that isn’t stopping anytime soon.
The league has partnered with FIBA and completed a preseason trip with elite programs such as preseason FAB 50 No. 1 Prolific Prep (Southwest Ranches, Fla.) and No. 7 Southeastern Prep (Florida), facing top European clubs’ youth teams. Toss in the fact that they now offer a Power Conference, Elevation Conference, and Contenders Conference, and it’s easy to see why The Grind Session has established itself as the top independent prep league in the country.
Held at the historic St. Francis School, the Grind Session Atlanta offered three days of high-level basketball featuring teams from eight states and Canada. Accurate stats were kept via TurboStats, games were live-streamed on YouTube via Tanager Sports, and over 100 D1 prospects took part in the event over the three-day weekend. There were a number of in-state and in-country (Canada) rivalries that brought a near playoff-type atmosphere in late November.
After taking in a high level of competition, we already took a look at the top seniors from the weekend. Here are the elite 2027 prospects who caught our eye at The Grind Session’s Atlanta stop:
Yohane Kabongo, 6’10, C, DME Academy (Florida)
Aside from Marcis Ponder, there wasn’t a more physically dominant big man at the Grind Session than Yohane Kabongo. An absolute pogo stick around the rim, Kabongo was an instant lob threat at all times, was outstanding running the floor, and showed flashes of his touch when facing the basket. The combination of power, agility, and potential as a finisher facing the rim that Yohane offers was on full display during his 26-point, seven-rebound, three-block showing against Gillion Academy.
Ryan Hampton, 6’6, SG, DME Academy (Florida)
The highest-ranked player in Atlanta for the Grind Session showed off his ridiculous talent on Sunday for DME Academy. Owning the dream physical profile of an NBA two-guard, Ryan Hampton was great scoring from mid-range via quick flashes, offered outstanding help as a rebounder from the perimeter, and showed the ability to score the ball with limited dribbles.
As Ryan’s confidence continues to grow as a scoring threat, we should see him reach the passive potential that he offers as a five-star prospect.
Nathan Yambayamba, 6’6, SF, Bella Vista Academy (Arizona)
A player who I was not familiar with coming into the event, Nathan Yambayamba, showed all of the makings of an intriguing wing prospect with size. Yambayamba knew how to get to his spots to get open 3-pointers, was comfortable shooting off the bounce if you ran him off the line, and possesses the athleticism to finish over the top of you at the rim.
Making the move to play in both the Grind Session and EYBL, you will be hearing a lot more from this Canadian swingman in the near future.
Patrik Birmingham, 6’5, SG, DME Academy (Florida)
A native of Iceland, Patrik Birmingham made the move to DME and proved that he could hold his own with many of the nation’s best in The Grind Session. The lanky shooting guard showed his big-time promise as a 3-point shooter, finished above the rim in transition, and created well for others despite playing off the ball.
Having led Iceland in scoring at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket, Birmingham will look to show his talent against the best that the Grind Session has to offer this season at DME.
Carmontae Griffin Jr., 6’1, PG, Gillion Academy (Virginia)
Though he came off the bench for Gillion Academy, Carmontae Griffin showed why he is a legit D1 prospect with his play at The Grind Session. The sturdy lead guard was outstanding in pick-and-roll play, was automatic with his mid-range pull-up, and killed you with his change of pace off the bounce.
After a nice summer on the 3SSB Circuit, Griffin secured an offer from Nicholls State and has drawn interest from countless other programs.
Junior Jean-Marie, 6’1, PG, Fort Erie International Academy (Canada)
There wasn’t a lead guard who changed directions better at the Atlanta Grind Session than Junior Jean-Marie. The well put together playmaker utilized his crossover with nice burst, was always in attack mode, and used his broad shoulders to create separation once he got into your chest.
Running with Lu Dort Elite on the 3SSB Circuit, Jean-Marie is one of those guards that you will look forward to seeing.
