Grind Session World Championships: Top Performers of 2023-24

The Grind Session World Championships concluded with a thrilling display of high school basketball talent, showcasing some of the best young players in the country. This year’s championship saw Prolific Prep from Napa, California, dominate the competition, clinching the title for the second consecutive year. Let’s dive into the standout performers who made this season memorable.

Top Performers and Rankings

The following table highlights the top performers from the Grind Session World Championships, including their stats and impact on the game:

The 2023-24 Grind Session World Championships delivered electrifying moments and unforgettable performances. Prolific Prep, a powerhouse from Napa, California, showcased its dominance throughout the season. It culminated in a decisive victory over Dream City Christian in Chicago’s Malcolm X College championship game. Prolific Prep finished the season with a stellar 33-5 record and is now preparing for the prestigious Chipotle High School Nationals.

The Road to the Championship

Prolific Prep’s Journey

Prolific Prep’s dominance in the 2023-24 Grind Session World Championships displayed exceptional talent, teamwork, and strategic play. Led by key players such as A.J. Dybantsa and Tyran Stokes, the team exhibited resilience and talent throughout the season, ending in a decisive victory against Dream City Christian in the final. Prolific Prep’s journey was marked by high-energy performances and a relentless pursuit of excellence, which resulted in a stellar 33-5 record​.

In the championship game, Prolific Prep showcased their strength and versatility. A.J. Dybantsa led the team with 24 points and 8 rebounds, demonstrating his ability to dominate offensively and defensively. Tyran Stokes contributed significantly with 18 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks, proving his efficiency and impact on the court​ ​.

Dream City Christian’s Strong Season

Dream City Christian had an impressive season, reaching the finals of the Grind Session World Championships with standout performances from players like Ikenna Alozie and Emmanuel Stephen. Despite their loss in the final, Dream City Christian’s journey was characterized by determination and exceptional play.

Ikenna Alozie, with 29 points, 7 rebounds,4 steals, and 5 assists in the final game, proved himself to be one of the top guards in the class of 2026. His muscular frame, defensive capabilities, and ability to finish at the rim make him a rising star​ ​. Emmanuel Stephen’s dominance in the paint was another highlight for Dream City Christian, showcasing his ability to protect the rim and score efficiently​​.

Detailed Player Analysis

A.J. Dybantsa 

Prolific Prep (CA), 2025 A.J. Dybantsa, a 6’8″ small forward/power forward, was a standout player in the championship game, leading Prolific Prep with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Dybantsa’s versatility allowed him to impact the game on both ends. Despite his outside shot not falling at its usual rate, he dominated by exploiting mismatches, posting up smaller defenders, and excelling on the offensive glass. His defensive prowess also shone through, making him a critical component of Prolific Prep’s success. As a USA Basketball gold medalist, Dybantsa is set to continue his impressive run with Vegas Elite in the AAU circuit​ ​.

Tyran Stokes 

Prolific Prep (CA), 2026 Tyran Stokes, a 6’7″ small forward/power forward, displayed remarkable efficiency with limited touches during the championship. He contributed significantly with 18 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks. Stokes’ ability to keep plays alive on the offensive glass and facilitate for his teammates highlighted his all-around game. His performance solidified his status as the top player in the class of 2026​.

Ikenna Alozie

Dream City Christian (AZ), 2026 Despite Dream City Christian’s loss in the final, Ikenna Alozie stood out with a stellar performance, scoring 29 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, dishing out 5 assists, and recording 4 steals. Alozie’s muscular frame, defensive capabilities, and rim-finishing skills make him one of the top guards in his class. His consistency from the 3-point line is improving, which will only elevate his game further​​.

Emmanuel Stephen 

Dream City Christian (AZ), 2024 Emmanuel Stephen, a 7’0″ center, was a dominant presence in the paint for Dream City Christian. Known as “E-Man,” Stephen used his size effectively to protect the rim and score efficiently around the basket. His defensive skills and ability to carve out deep post positions made him a formidable opponent. Stephen is set to bring his talents to Arizona next year, where his physicality will be a significant asset​ ​.

Sean Blake 

Royal Crown Institute (CAN), 2024 Sean Blake, a 6’2″ point guard, impressed with his performance against Prolific Prep, scoring 21 points and recording 5 assists. Blake’s ability to penetrate the defense and finish creatively at the rim showcased his skill set. Heading to Vermont next year, Blake is expected to make an immediate impact, adding depth and versatility to the team.

Winters Grady

Prolific Prep (CA), 2025 Winters Grady, a 6’6″ small forward, emerged as a versatile wing player with a deep 3-point range and rebounding ability. His journey from Oregon to Prolific Prep proved fruitful, earning him a championship and solidifying his position as a top-100 prospect. Grady’s ability to impact the game with minimal plays run for him makes him a valuable asset to any team​.

Trey Green

Prolific Prep (CA), 2023 Trey Green, a 5’11” point guard, was the Grind Session World Championships MVP, leading Prolific Prep with 30 points in the title game. Green’s effortless shooting range and ability to control the game’s pace were crucial to his team’s success. His performance has set high expectations as he transitions to play for Xavier next year​.

Yves Missi

Prolific Prep (CA), 2024 Yves Missi, a 6’11” center from Cameroon, demonstrated his NBA potential 24-point and 8-rebound performance in the championship game. Missi’s explosive athleticism and defensive mobility make him a standout player. Committed to Baylor, Missi is expected to be significant in college basketball​​.

Christian Hammond

Dream City Christian (AZ), 2023 Christian Hammond, a 6’3″ combo guard, showed versatility by contributing 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Hammond’s ability to defend multiple positions and finish creatively at the rim makes him valuable. He will join Santa Clara next year, where his skills will be used well under esteemed coach Herb Sendek​.

Jason Fontenet Jr.

Bella Vista Prep (AZ), 2023 Jason Fontenet Jr., a 6’5″ shooting guard/point guard, returned strong from an injury that sidelined him for nearly a year. Fontenet’s size allows him to play both guard positions effectively, and his ability to shoot from deep and finish through contact makes him a top prospect. His father, a former point guard at Oregon State, has undoubtedly influenced his game, and Fontenet Jr. is poised to follow in his footsteps at the D-1 level​ .

Reflections and Future Prospects

College Transitions and Future Stars

Many standout players from the Grind Session World Championships are set to impact college basketball significantly. Players like Sean Blake and Christian Hammond are expected to bring their talents and skills to their respective college teams, adding depth and versatility. Their transitions will be closely watched by fans and scouts alike​​.

Prolific Prep’s Continued Success

Prolific Prep’s success in the Grind Session World Championships has cemented its status as a powerhouse in prep school basketball. The team’s ability to develop top talent and compete at the highest level is a testament to its program’s quality. As they prepare for the Chipotle High School Nationals, Prolific Prep will look to build on its success and continue to dominate on the national stage​​.

Final Thoughts

The 2023-24 Grind Session World Championships showcased high school basketball excellence, with top performers leaving a lasting impact on the sport. As these young athletes continue to develop and transition to the following levels of their careers, their performances at the Grind Session will be pivotal in their journeys. Scouts and fans will both be keeping a careful eye on things., anticipating the future successes of these remarkable players.