Some of the the country’s best high school basketball players are playing in Denver this weekend.
The Grind Session, a winter circuit of high school basketball events featuring top boys and girls hoops prospects in the U.S., begins its 2024-2025 season with a three-day showcase at Manual High School from Friday through Sunday.
AJ Dybantsa, the top-rated prospect in the Class of 2025 who has the potential to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, headlines a field filled with future college and professional talent. The 6-foot-9 forward plays for Utah Prep, one of 19 boys teams participating.
The showcase will also feature five girls teams, highlighted by dunking sensation Oliviyah Edwards. The highly recruited Class of 2026 forward stars for Elite Prep out of Washington.
Six Colorado boys programs are competing in the showcase: Accelerated Prep, Colorado Prep, Manual, Denver East, George Washington and Horizon. Manual and Denver East tip off the event on Friday at 5:15 p.m. in the Thunderbolts’ main gym. There are 24 total games across the three days of competition.
The Grind Session’s produced about 3,000 players who have gone on to play collegiate or professional basketball, as well as over 20 first-round NBA draft picks. That list includes Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray as well as Boston Celtics star and reigning NBA champion Jayson Tatum.
Admission is $15 a day, and kids aged 6 and under are free.
The Grind Session’s Opening Night
| Friday, Main Gym | Time |
|---|---|
| Manual vs Denver East | 5:15 p.m. |
| Balboa Schol (FL) vs Utah Prep | 7 p.m. |
| Accelerated Prep (CO) vs Colorado Prep | 8:45 p.m. |
| Friday, Aux Gym | Time |
| Rosemary Anderson (OR) vs Bella Vista Prep (AZ) | 5:15 p.m. |
| Grind Prep (OK) vs Bella Vista Prep (AZ) (Girls) | 7 p.m. |
| Grind Prep (OK) vs Albuqurque Prep (NM) | 8:45 p.m. |
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