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 any time 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) going at it with top European club’s 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 that brought programs from eight different 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, here are the top seniors that we saw at The Grind Session Atlanta:
Toni Bryant, 6’9, PF, Zephyrhills Christian (Florida)
The definition of a new age forward, Toni Bryant displayed the tantalizing skills that have made him a consensus five star prospect throughout Zephyrhills Christian’s two victories over the weekend. The versatile new-age forward showed the full bag with crazy soft touch finishes at the rim, was a constant lob threat, and showed his constantly improving offensive package facing the basket. Bryant is essential in what many consider to be the top recruiting class in the nation early on in 2026 at Missouri, joining can’t miss point guard Jason Crowe Jr. and sharpshooter Aidan Chronister.
Marcis Ponder, 7’0, C, Gillion Academy (Virginia)
The most physically imposing player in The Grind Session (and perhaps the nation for that matter) made his presence heard in a hyped 82-81 upset of DME Academy. Ponder showed off his incredibly nimble footwork for a 300-pound 7-footer on the block, carved out position deep in the paint, and absolutely punished the rims. The 27-point, 10-rebound, 5-block performance that he pumped out over DME served as a reminder of the sheer dominance that the Florida State recruit offers when motivated.
Eli Jolin, 6’7, SF, Fort Erie International Academy (Canada)
A player I was not familiar with prior to the event, Eli Jolin immediately put everyone at the Grind Session on notice with his activity level throughout the weekend. The confident swingman was a solid shooter from the 3-point line, an elite finisher in transition, and had no problem letting his opponents (and teammates) know about it with his infectious energy. Heading to play for respected veteran coach Herb Sendek at Santa Clara., the Montreal product has all of the tools to make in impact in the West Coast Conference.
Lucas Toukam, 6’8, PF, Bella Vista Academy (Arizona)
Combining an elite motor, length, and defensive versatility, Lucas Toukam is a coach’s dream out of a new age big. The long armed forward can defend virtually any spot on the floor for stretches, has an exceptionally quick second jump, and has a feathery touch that shows promise out to the 3-point line. Owning offers from Seattle, UC Santa Barbara, and a host of others, Lucas will still be considering all options into the late signing period.
Yale Davis, 6’0, PG, Zephyrhills Christian (Florida)
There wasn’t a better guard in terms of making plays for others than Yale Davis. The speedy lefty was outstanding getting to his spots at ease for his mid-range jumper, threw more lobs than anyone in the event, and was patient with his change of speed. Still wide open with his recruitment, Davis will have no shortage of quality film by the end of the season with Zephyrhills.
Promis N’Landu, 6’3, PG, Fort Erie International Academy (Canada)
In a super hyped game against a team loaded with fellow Canadians, Promis N’Landu was an a walking bucket in FEIA’s win over Bella Vista Academy. The scoring point guard is a creative finisher at rim off either leg, has super deep 3-point range, and is a threat to collapse the defense any time that he has the ball. Heading to play in the A-10 for George Washington next season, N’Landu has the potential to make an immediate scoring impact from the point while receiving a super high level education.
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