Napa, California, January 25, 2026
Arizona’s Phoenix Prep Hood and BV Academy showcased their talent at the Grind Session Crush in the Valley tournament in Napa, California, challenging top-ranked high school teams from across the nation. Their participation highlighted the dedication and competitive spirit of Arizona’s prep athletes as they faced elite opponents, offering significant opportunities for personal growth and future success in their basketball careers.
Phoenix,
Arizona’s Best Battle Nation’s Elite in Grind Session Showcase
Arizona teams hit the road to Napa, California, testing their mettle against top-ranked programs and rising stars in a high-stakes national tournament.
The high school basketball landscape in Phoenix, Arizona, consistently produces athletes distinguished by their relentless effort and dedication. Our community thrives on the spirit of healthy competition, a commitment to rigorous discipline, and the pursuit of excellence that defines prep sports. These values are not just championed on local courts; they are tested on national stages, providing invaluable opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. When Arizona’s talent faces off against the best in the nation, it reflects the hard work instilled in our young athletes and the unwavering support from our local communities.
This commitment to developing character and skill was on full display as two Arizona boys basketball teams, Phoenix Prep Hood [AZ] and BV Academy [AZ], participated in the nationally recognized Grind Session Crush in the Valley. While the event unfolded across the state in Napa, California, the performances of our local teams resonated deeply, highlighting their readiness to compete at the highest level of prep basketball. This showcase exemplifies how sports build not just athletes, but leaders prepared for future challenges, whether on the court or in life.
Elite Competition in Napa: The Grind Session Stage
The Grind Session Crush in the Valley event, the 10th annual showcase, drew national attention from January 23 to January 25, 2026. Held at Napa Valley College in Napa, California, this tournament stands as a premier high school basketball event in Northern California and a significant fixture on the national scene.
The event featured three teams recognized among the National Top 25 boys basketball rankings. These included the No. 8 Prolific Prep [Fort Lauderdale, FL] Crew, the No. 18 St. John Bosco [Bellflower, CA] Braves, and the No. 20 Salesian College Prep [Richmond, CA] Pride. Additionally, Southeastern Prep Academy (SEPA) #7, a nationally ranked team, also participated. The Grind Session circuit itself is celebrated as the first-ever winter series of elite high school basketball events, annually hosting over 400 games from November to March across various locations including the U.S., Canada, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. This extensive platform provides an invaluable environment for players to develop their skills and prepare for the demanding next stages of their basketball careers.
Arizona Teams Showcase Discipline and Talent
Arizona was well-represented by Phoenix Prep Hood [AZ] and BV Academy [AZ], both demonstrating the dedication and competitive spirit fostered in our state’s athletic programs. Their participation underscored the readiness of Arizona athletes to step onto a national stage and compete with discipline.
On Friday, January 23, Phoenix Prep Hood [AZ] faced off against Golden State Prep Grey [CA] in a hard-fought contest, ultimately falling short with a score of 87-82. Also on Friday, BV Academy [AZ] competed against the Southeastern Prep Academy [Orlando, FL] Falcons, resulting in an 81-54 loss. Demonstrating resilience, BV Academy [AZ] then played the No. 8 Prolific Prep [Fort Lauderdale, FL] Crew on Saturday, January 24. Their weekend schedule was set to conclude with a game against DNA Prep [CA] on Sunday, January 25. These matchups against highly skilled opponents provide critical experience and serve as a testament to the character-building aspects of challenging oneself against formidable competition.
Rising Stars and Future Prospects
The Grind Session Crush in the Valley was a gathering point for a multitude of nationally ranked players, offering a glimpse into the future of basketball. The event featured 10 players ranked among the top 15 nationally. The Class of 2026 alone included Caleb Holt (Prolific Prep) ranked #5 Nationwide, Bruce Branch III (Prolific Prep) ranked #6 Nationwide, Christian Collins (St. John Bosco HS) ranked #8 Nationwide, Toni Bryant (Southeastern Prep Academy) ranked #14 Nationwide, and Jaxon Richardson (Southeastern Prep Academy) ranked #15 Nationwide. Furthermore, Davion Adkins (Prolific Prep) ranked #56 Nationwide, who is committed to Kansas, also showcased his talents. Observing these athletes perform underscores the opportunities that arise from consistent hard work, discipline, and personal responsibility. For many, participation in such high-profile events serves as a vital step on their path toward collegiate scholarships and potential professional careers, echoing the journey of NBA stars like Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, LaMelo Ball, Paolo Banchero, and Jalen Green, who previously competed in the Grind Session circuit.
Community Pride and Engagement for Arizona Prep Sports
Even with the Grind Session Crush in the Valley taking place in California, the engagement and pride from the Phoenix and broader Arizona community for their teams were palpable. The pursuit of excellence by Phoenix Prep Hood [AZ] and BV Academy [AZ] on a national platform fosters a sense of unity and shared identity among local sports enthusiasts. The performance of these teams strengthens the fabric of Arizona prep sports, reinforcing the idea that dedication and hard work can lead to significant opportunities. The support from afar, whether through following game updates or discussing performances, underscores the collective investment in our youth and their athletic journeys. Events like these also highlight how local sponsorships and community backing are crucial in supporting athletic programs, enabling teams to compete at such elite levels and providing invaluable experiences that shape young athletes’ character and future.
The Grind Session Crush in the Valley showcased not just high-level basketball, but also the enduring values of competition, teamwork, and individual growth. The journey of Phoenix Prep Hood [AZ] and BV Academy [AZ] to challenge the nation’s best is a source of immense pride for our state. Their participation underscores the potential within Phoenix AZ high school basketball and the bright future for these dedicated athletes.
We encourage all our readers to continue supporting Phoenix basketball and Arizona prep sports. Attend local games, cheer on our talented student-athletes, and invest in the programs that build not just champions, but exceptional individuals. For more stories, updates, and in-depth coverage of high school sports across the Phoenix area, keep following HEREPhoenix.com.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Grind Session Crush in the Valley
Where did the Grind Session Crush in the Valley take place?
The Grind Session Crush in the Valley took place at Napa Valley College in Napa, California.
What were the dates for the Grind Session Crush in the Valley?
The dates for the Grind Session Crush in the Valley were January 23-25, 2026.
Which Arizona teams participated in the Grind Session Crush in the Valley?
Phoenix Prep Hood [AZ] and BV Academy [AZ] participated in the Grind Session Crush in the Valley.
Which nationally ranked teams competed in the event?
Three teams recognized among the National Top 25 boys basketball rankings competed, including the No. 8 Prolific Prep [Fort Lauderdale, FL] Crew, the No. 18 St. John Bosco [Bellflower, CA] Braves, and the No. 20 Salesian College Prep [Richmond, CA] Pride. Southeastern Prep Academy (SEPA) #7 also competed.
Are there notable players who participated in the Grind Session Crush in the Valley?
The event included 10 top 15 Nationally ranked players. Notable players for the Class of 2026 included Caleb Holt (Prolific Prep) #5 Nationwide, Bruce Branch III (Prolific Prep) #6 Nationwide, Christian Collins (St. John Bosco HS) #8 Nationwide, Toni Bryant (Southeastern Prep Academy) #14 Nationwide, and Jaxon Richardson (Southeastern Prep Academy) #15 Nationwide. Davion Adkins (Prolific Prep) ranked #56 Nationwide, a Kansas commit, also showcased his talents.
Key Features of the Grind Session Crush in the Valley
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Name | Grind Session Crush in the Valley | Nationwide Event (featuring teams from various states) |
| Dates | January 23-25, 2026 | Nationwide Event (specific dates apply to the event regardless of location) |
| Location | Napa Valley College, Napa, California | Nationwide Event (specific location in California) |
| Arizona Participating Teams | Phoenix Prep Hood [AZ], BV Academy [AZ] | State-level (Arizona-based teams) |
| Nationally Ranked Teams | No. 8 Prolific Prep [Fort Lauderdale, FL] Crew, No. 18 St. John Bosco [Bellflower, CA] Braves, No. 20 Salesian College Prep [Richmond, CA] Pride, Southeastern Prep Academy (SEPA) #7 | Nationwide (teams from various states with national rankings) |
| Nationally Ranked Players (Class of 2026) | Caleb Holt (Prolific Prep) #5 Nationwide, Bruce Branch III (Prolific Prep) #6 Nationwide, Christian Collins (St. John Bosco HS) #8 Nationwide, Toni Bryant (Southeastern Prep Academy) #14 Nationwide, Jaxon Richardson (Southeastern Prep Academy) #15 Nationwide, Davion Adkins (Prolific Prep) #56 Nationwide (Kansas Commit) | Nationwide (players with national rankings) |
| Event Significance | 10th annual event, premier high school basketball event in Northern California, top boys basketball event on the national scene, winter circuit for elite high school basketball, opportunity for player development | Nationwide (event’s standing and purpose on a national level) |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
