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Now in its tenth season, The Grind Session has proven that it’s 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, featuring elite programs such as preseason FAB 50 No. 1 Prolific Prep (Southwest Ranches, Fla.) and No. 7 Southeastern Prep (Florida), and 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 class of 2027 standouts as well as the top seniors from the weekend. Here are the elite underclassmen prospects who caught our eye at The Grind Session’s Atlanta stop:
Culen Browne, 6’2, PG, Wilson Academy (Georgia), 2028
Ethan Knox, 6’6, SG/SF, Zephyrhills Christian (Florida), 2028
It was my first time seeing Ethan Knox, and it was immediately evident as to why he is already viewed as an SEC prospect and more. The slithery swingman has the build of your ideal wing, a fluid jump shot, and the ability to impact the game with his athleticism on both ends of the floor. Knox already has offers from Missouri, Florida State, Mississippi State, and a host of others, which will continue to grow as the season goes on.
Tristan Edwards, 6’8, SF, Wilson Academy (Georgia), 2029
The best freshman at the Pangos All-East Frosh/Soph Camp continued his monster year for Wilson Academy at The Grind Session. The do-it-all forward was a beast on the offensive glass, exploited mismatches facing the basket or around the rim, and showed potential on the defensive end. The 27-point, 13-rebound performance that the Canadian had solidified himself as one of the truly special youngsters in the Grind Session.
Lanton Walker, 6’2, PG/SG, Legion Prep (Texas), 2028
Making the journey from Dallas, Legion Prep showed they could hold their own at The Grind Session, and much of the credit went to Lanton Walker. The explosive combo guard was automatic from mid-range, had a nice burst off the bounce, and could play either backcourt spot with equal productivity. Walker put in work with YGC Hoops in the Puma Pro16 League and will definitely be a name to watch in the DFW.
Emmanuel Ouderago, 6’10, C, Wilson Academy (Georgia), 2030
The youngest player in the Grind Session may not have put up monstrous numbers, but you totally forgot you were watching an eighth–grader when Emmanuel Ouderago was out on the hardwood. He was an outstanding rim protector via walking up in the paint, rebounded his area well, and showed the ability to finish in traffic against older competition.
Ouderago is coming off an outstanding showing at the Pangos All-East Frosh/Soph Camp and is carrying that over to his high school play in The Grind Session.
