FGB Elite Aiming High At FILA Nationals



Jose Fernandez of South Florida is one of the coaches who is watching FGB Elite’s talent.

After battling their way through the spring events, FGB Elite is focused on stepping up as the summer heats up. Coach Kenny Kalina is confident that his club will be much improved when they arrive at key events such as the FILA Nationals.

The FILA Nationals, which will include over 100 national teams, will be played at the Suwanee Sports Academy outside of Atlanta from July 6-8. This is one part of a series of previews for the FILA Nationals where we will highlight the outstanding programs who will be competing.

“I think we are going to have a strong team. We weren’t great in the spring, but I think we will be much better in July,” Kalina said. “Our roster was kind of hit or miss in the spring, but we should be solid the rest of the way.”

A pair of veterans will anchor the FGB Elite roster in Atlanta. Dominique Simpson is a 5-9 guard who is rated as the No. 137 prospect in the Class of 2014 by the All Star Girls Report. Jonelle Williams is a 6-2 power forward who is listed at No 72 in the Class of 2015 by ASGR.

Those two Division I prospects will be joined this summer by 5-11 wing Aliyah Gregory. The Dover, Fla., native is ranked at No. 145 in the Class of 2014 by ASGR.

“Aliyah joined the team in the past couple of weeks, and we’re very excited about having her on the team,” Kalina said. “I think she will make a big impact for us. She was one of the top scorers in Florida in the winter. She has good size, she can get to the rim, and she can hit the three.”

Kalina is also expecting a strong contribution from a trio of players from the Class of 2016.

“We have three talented freshmen wop will all see significant playing time for us,” Kalina said. “Jade Lewis (6-2, W) started all spring for us. Kasha Austin (5-10, W) has a cousin, Courtney Williams, who just had a great freshman year at South Florida, and I think Kasha is going to be a great player too. Delicia Washington (5-10, G) could end up being one of our best players. She is a fantastic athlete, and she had a huge tournament at the Deep South Classic. Ole Miss offered her after that tournament, so I think  Delicia is headed for a big summer.”

That trio of youngsters should bolster future FGB rosters, and they will be surrounded by talented players. The FGB U-15 team recently brought home the title from the prestigious Deep South Classic.

“We have a very strong U-15 team, and we’re very excited about their future,” noted Kalina.