Toronto's Pan Am Sports Centre was the home for a historic basketball event this November 2024 as The Grind Session made its debut in Canada, marking a monumental step in the growth of basketball for the country. This prestigious high school basketball tournament, powered by the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association (OSBA), brought elite players from across the globe, providing Canadian athletes with an invaluable opportunity to showcase their talents on home soil.

The Grind Session, known for its high-level of competition and high-quality global exposure, attracted top players from Canada, the U.S., and beyond, offering local athletes the chance to compete against some of the best young talent worldwide. 

Over three days, Canadian athletes displayed their growth and potential, competing against some of the world’s top talent. The event not only elevated the profile of Canadian basketball but also helped increase visibility for emerging Canadian players, many of whom are now attracting attention from major college programs and professional scouts. For local fans and coaches, this event was a glimpse into the future of Canadian basketball, with several young stars stepping up to demonstrate their elite capabilities. 

Next Generation of Canadian Hoopers: National-Level Talent Stands Out at The Grind Session

The event featured a strong representation of Canadian talent, including numerous national team members. Standouts included Class of 2025 - point guard Justus Haseley, University of Pittsburgh commit Divine Tumba Tshibuabua, Jayda Queeley, and phenom Chance Berry of Royal Crown.

Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA) added its star power with forward Tristan Beckford, Cearah “Cece” Parchment, and University of Florida commit Nyadieng (Nidi) Yiech.  Chante Murray of St. Jude’s and other rising stars also made significant impacts throughout the weekend.

Alongside these standout performers was AJ Dybantsa, a dynamic American forward who currently attends Utah Prep.

Dybantsa is widely regarded as the nation’s number one player in the 2025 class and projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Adding significant fire power to this team was JJ Mandaquit (6’1 PG, Class of 2025), a pure point guard who has two USA Basketball gold medals to his name. 

A Weekend to Remember: Fort Erie’s Double Upsets Rock the Circuit 

The Grind Session’s debut not only highlighted elite basketball talent but also sparked intense rivalries and monumental upsets. Both Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA) boys and girls teams secured major victories that added to the competitive narrative of the weekend. 

The FEIA girls edged out Chance Berry and the Crown girls in a heated battle, securing a 52-49 victory that reignited their rivalry. Key contributions came from freshman guard Portia Reisen, whose composure in the fourth quarter was instrumental, and recent University of Illinois commit Cece Parchment, who showcased her national level talent throughout the game.

The boys followed suit with a stunning 72-70 upset over Utah Prep, handing the previously undefeated team their first loss of the season.

Competing in the prestigious Power Conference of The Grind Session, Utah Prep’s roster, led by star forward AJ Dybantsa, entered the game as heavy favourites. However, standout performances from FEIA’s Promis N’Landu (17 points) and Deng Ngor (15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks) proved enough to shock the powerhouse team to clinch the last second victory. 

As Canadian basketball continues to rise in prominence, The Grind Session’s arrival in Toronto reinforces the importance of providing young athletes with opportunities to showcase their skills at the highest level. For players like N’Landu, the event served as a vital stepping stone toward further success on the national and international stages.

This historic event proves that Canadian basketball is more than just a growing trend—it’s now a mainstay in the global basketball conversation. The impact of The Grind Session in Toronto will surely be felt for years to come as the next generation of Canadian basketball stars continue to make their mark on the world.