Some of the most elite high school basketball Owensboro has ever seen is coming to the Owensboro Sportscenter on March 8-11. This international boys’ basketball tournament presented by Tanager Sports features top ranked teams from ten states and Canada. Tournament organizers say the competition will feature 14 of the top 100 players in the country and 76 players who have either committed or have Division I offers.
“Many of the 200 players competing in this tournament are nationally ranked and already have major Division I college scholarship offers. This tournament is even bigger than the nationally known Marshall County Hoopfest,” said Grind Session World Championship Tournament organizer Dan Hudson.
Some of the players you might recognize are Charles Bassey, ESPN’s number three ranked player in the class of 2019. Kyree Walker is another athlete who is ESPN’s number six ranked player in the class of 2020. ESPN 5-star rated Luguentz Dort, an Arizona State signee is another player you’ll see in Owensboro.
“This first-class tournament is an incredible economic boost for our tourism market. Players, coaches and their families will stay in our hotels and eat in our restaurants. For players and coaches alone, about 420 room nights will be needed for the event. It’s a big win for Owensboro,” said Mark Calitri, Visit Owensboro President & CEO.
Tickets are $10 for bleachers and $12 for chairback seats per session. There are five sessions. The dates and times of games can be found here: http://www.thegrindsession. com/schedule/EventSchedule? eventNum=15
“This is your chance to see some of the best players in country compete at the highest level. We are honored to be able to host this tournament at the newly renovated Owensboro Sportscenter,” said Laura Alexander, Spectra Assistant GM/Director of Sales & Marketing Owensboro Convention Center/Owensboro Sportscenter.
On March 11 following the championship game, the Grind Session World Championships will host an awards banquet at the Owensboro Convention Center.
A complete list of teams follows:
- Trinity International- Nevada
- The Rock- Florida
- St. Louis Christian- Missouri
- Orangeville Prep- Canada
- Athlete Institute- Canada
- Believe Academy- Tennessee
- Victory Rock- Florida
- Bella Vista- Arizona
- Mountain Mission- Virginia
- Tennessee Prep- Tennessee
- Aspire Academy- Kentucky
- Hillcrest Prep- Arizona
- Lincoln Prep- Georgia
- Our Saviour Lutheran- New York
- Wesley Christian- Kentucky
- Prolific Prep- California
- West Oaks- Florida