America’s premier high school prep basketball circuit returns to Owensboro as the 2026 Grind Session World Championships take place at the Sportscenter from March 20 through March 22.
The Grind Session is a winter circuit of elite-level high school basketball events featuring teams from across the United States, as well as international squads. The group first came to Owensboro this past December with four days of boys’ and girls’ basketball in front of energetic Sportscenter crowds.
This time around, champions will be crowned as the Final 4 of the Men’s Grind Session World Championships take place, as well as the full postseason tournament for the Women’s World Championships. The weekend will also feature action from select local middle school teams who will compete and have opportunities for engagement with Grind Session players and staff.
The Grind Session’s last visit to the Sportscenter was highlighted by a matchup that featured Prolific Prep (FL) and Southeastern Prep (FL) who were then nationally ranked #1 and #3, respectively. Prolific defeated Southeastern 75-54 in a contest that featured 10 high school basketball players ranked in the top 100 of their recruiting classes.
“Owensboro brought incredible energy last December,” Grind Session CEO Scott Waldrop said. “The gym was packed, the crowd was loud, and the community embraced the event in a big way. We’re excited to return and build on that momentum with our Women’s Elite Eight and Men’s Final Four. If the championship ends up looking anything like that Prolific Prep vs. Southeastern Prep matchup last time, fans are in for something special.”
The Grind Session has been known to produce prominent collegiate and professional stars including players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum, Lamelo Ball, Tyrese Maxey, Paolo Banchero, Jared McCain, and many more. The men’s circuit currently features 26 players ranked in the top 100 of their recruiting classes with the women’s side fielding 13 players in the top 100 of their classes.
Prolific Prep, on the men’s side, currently sits at the top of the men’s standings with a 14-0 record in the circuit and a 21-0 overall record. Southeastern Prep follows closely with a 13-1 record in the circuit. ESPN currently ranks Prolific at #3 nationally and Southeastern at #13.
BV Academy (MI), Ft Erie International (Canada), DME Academy (FL), Academy of Central Florida (FL), Mt Zion Prep (MD), and Royal Crown (Canada) round out the top 8 spots in the men’s standings. On the women’s side, Legion Prep (TX) and DME Academy (FL) are featured in ESPN’s national rankings at the #11 and #14 spots, respectively.
Ft Erie International, out of Canada, currently sits at the top of the Women’s Grind Session standings with a record of 9-1 on the circuit.
“We are beyond excited to have The Grind Session returning to our city,” CVB’s Lucas Daunhauer said. “Being able to play host to the nation’s top high school stars is a privilege for our community and a great opportunity for local fans to witness elite-level action. We are excited to continue growing our relationship with The Grind Session and have an exciting scope of events ahead.”
The top 8 teams in the women’s field will be seeded for a single-elimination Elite 8 in Owensboro during the weekend. On the men’s side, action will take place the weekend prior in Bowling Green, KY to determine which four teams will compete for the title at the Sportscenter.
Fans are encouraged to come out and witness the next generation of hoop stars beginning on Friday, March 20. The weekend will feature a number of NCAA D1 recruits as well as NBA and WNBA hopefuls. The Owensboro Sportscenter, Oak View Group, Visit Owensboro, and the City of Owensboro are excited to continue building and facilitating future events for The Grind Session throughout the remainder of 2026 and beyond.
