The FGB program has played a key role in Florida travel basketball the past decade, and that influence grew this year with the addition of the FGB South Florida organization.
“We have had kids from South Florida in the past, but it was a long drive for practices,” explained FGB director Kenny Kallina. “We started thinking about the options, and fortunately we were able to create something out of nothing down there with the help of some very good coaches.
“They are doing a great job and we are very excited about the summer. They had over 60 kids at their tryouts. They are presenting a new avenue for a lot of these kids, and I think they are going to be getting a lot of attention from the college coaches.”
FGB South Florida will have an opportunity to make its mark at the 2017 Deep South Classic, which will be held in Raleigh, NC from April 20-23. The event, which will feature some of the finest travel teams in the nation, will be played at the Raleigh Convention Center. There will be 20 courts in the building, keeping the entire event under one roof in downtown Raleigh.
Among the players drawing attention for FGB South Florida will be Glory Jones (6-0, W, 2018), Emma Krause (6-2, F, 2018), Aasiya Berry (6-3, P, 2018), Asha Taylor (5-8, CG, 2018) and Mikaela Pierre (5-7, G, 2018). Berry is currently listed as the No. 421 recruit in the Class of 2018 nationally by the All Star Girls Report.
“Glory is an inside-outside player who can shoot the three,” Kallina said. “She played on our top FGB team last year. She shoots the ball well, and she is a strong player. Emma is a stretch four type who can shoot it. Emma is a very, very skilled player, and I think she is going to turn a lot of heads this summer.
“Aasiya is a player who has been a little under the radar. I think she is one of the best post players in Florida. She can really run the floor, and she can dominate inside. Asha is a lights out three-point shooter. She can play the point for your, and she has great range on her shot. Mikaela might be the fastest player in South Florida. She is a difference maker who is a great defender, and she is great in transition.”