Basketball fans in Western Kentucky are getting an early holiday gift this week - and it comes wrapped in elite talent and future NBA stardom. On Thursday, December 4, two of the nation’s most loaded high school basketball programs, Prolific Prep and Southeastern Prep Academy, will square off in a marquee matchup at the Owensboro Sportscenter. Tip-off is set for 7:15 PM, and if you’re anywhere near Owensboro, this is the kind of game you clear your calendar for.
This isn’t just a game - it’s a high school hoops showcase with serious national implications. The matchup is part of The Grind Session, the longest-running winter circuit for elite high school basketball, known for spotlighting top-tier talent from across the U.S. and Canada.
And this one? It’s stacked.
Headliner: Bruce Branch III
All eyes will be on Bruce Branch III, the five-star forward out of Prolific Prep who recently reclassified from the 2027 class to the senior class - and didn’t lose a step in the rankings. Once the top overall player in his original class, Branch is now one of the most coveted seniors in the country.
He’s already being projected as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. He’s got the size, the skillset, and the swagger - and Thursday night is another chance for him to show why NBA scouts are circling his name in ink.
But It’s Not Just the Bruce Branch Show
This game is loaded with future college and pro stars on both sides of the floor. Here's a look at some of the top-ranked talent who’ll be suiting up:
Prolific Prep
- Caleb Holt (Class of ’26) - A top-10 player across all major recruiting services.
ESPN has him at No. 6, 247Sports at No. 5, and Rivals at No.
- Holt brings dynamic scoring and elite athleticism to the wing.
- Davion Adkins (’26) - A top-50 guard with rankings across the board: ESPN No. 46, 247Sports No.
34, Rivals No. 32.
He’s a two-way player with serious upside.
- Nasir Anderson (’27) - Already ranked No. 11 by ESPN and top-10 by 247Sports and Rivals.
Anderson is a name to remember - explosive, creative, and confident.
Southeastern Prep Academy
- Jaxon Richardson (’26) - A versatile forward ranked No. 11 by ESPN and a consensus top-25 prospect across the board.
He’s a matchup nightmare with a high motor.
- CJ Rosser (’27) - One of the top-ranked sophomores in the country.
He’s No. 4 on ESPN, No. 2 on 247Sports, and Rivals has him sitting at No. 1.
Rosser has the kind of game that pops off the screen - or off the court if you’re lucky enough to watch him live.
- Obinna Ekezie (’27) - Another top-5 talent in the class of ’27.
Physical, polished, and productive.
- Beckham Black (’27) - A top-10 player on ESPN and a rising star who’s climbing in every ranking system.
- Griffin Starks (’27) and Marri Wesley (’27) - Both top-100 players who bring depth and toughness to a Southeastern squad that doesn’t lack for talent.
More Than Just One Game
While Prolific vs. Southeastern is the headliner, it’s far from the only action going down this weekend in Owensboro.
The Grind Session will feature 20 games between Thursday and Sunday, with 22 men’s and women’s teams from 10 states and Canada taking the court. It’s a four-day basketball bonanza with a deep lineup of elite prospects.
Names to watch beyond Thursday’s showdown include:
- Marcis Ponder and Willie Burnett III from Gillion Academy
- Ryan Hampton from DME Academy
- Martay Barnes III from Academy of Central Florida
These are players who could be headliners in any other setting - that’s how stacked this event is.
The Grind Session Legacy
This isn’t just another high school basketball event - The Grind Session has a serious track record. Over 3,000 alumni have gone on to play college or pro basketball.
That includes around 100 NBA players and more than 20 first-round picks. Some of the biggest names in today’s NBA - Jamal Murray, Jayson Tatum, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - all came through this circuit.
So when Grind Session co-founder and CEO Scott Waldrop says, “These are the games where stars are made,” he’s not exaggerating. This is where the next wave of basketball greatness gets its spotlight.
Final Word
If you’re a hoops fan - whether you follow recruiting rankings religiously or just love seeing the future of the game up close - Thursday night in Owensboro is where you want to be. Prolific Prep vs.
Southeastern Prep isn’t just a game; it’s a glimpse into the next generation of basketball greatness. And with the Grind Session bringing this level of talent to the hardwood, it’s safe to say the future looks bright - and it’s arriving fast.