FEIA athletes take aim at top U.S. basketball teams in Grind Session

Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA) will compete in the Grind Session basketball circuit starting today in Toronto, facing some of North America’s strongest prep teams and giving local athletes a rare chance to compete for university exposure close to home.

The private Grade 6-12 academy, recognized nationally for its elite sports programs, is one of only two Canadian schools competing in the U.S.-based Grind Session, a circuit featuring teams from across the continent with more than 400 games scheduled between November and March.

Both FEIA’s men’s and women’s teams are entering the event with high expectations. Head coach Handel Kipp told Fort Erie Radio his players are eager for the opportunity to face international talent.

“Both our girls’ side and the men’s side feel very confident and very excited about the Grind Session coming up. It’s a chance for us to play top American competition on home Canadian soil,” said Kipp.

The Grind Session operates as a showcase series for NCAA recruiters, bringing elite high school teams from across the U.S., as well as Canada, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico to compete. Dozens of players from FEIA have already gone on to earn Division I scholarships and as of last year produced one NBA player and 13 NCAA Division 1 players since starting in 2021.

“Winning games is great, but scholarships are better. The Grind Session gives our kids the exposure they need, and it provides a platform for competitive games that college coaches actually want to watch,” said Kipp.

The women’s roster features some of the highest-ranked prospects in Canada, including Quebec City’s Amelia Sow, rated No. 1 nationally by North Pole Hoops and 29th overall by ESPN.

Portia Reisen, ranked first in Canada’s class of 2028, and 6’3 forward Aisha Van Stein from the Netherlands will also be competing for FEIA and are both gaining recognition for their strong performance.

Kipp said the men’s roster is “loaded all across the board” with standout players Dang Ngor, Promise N’Landu and Eli Jolin leading a well-rounded team.

“We focus a lot on development and character, on teaching our athletes to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Once you learn how to navigate through challenges, you’ll know how to navigate through life, because sports teach you so many things beyond basketball,” said Kipp.

The academy, which last year reported a 100 per cent university acceptance rate and offers $5.2 million in scholarships, fields three mens’ and two womens’ basketball teams with players from more than 30 countries. Kipp said the school’s diversity strengthens both its athletic and academic culture.

He also credited FEIA director Paul Liu for building the program’s foundation.

“He took a chance on us and opened pathways for these kids to chase their dreams,” said Kipp.

FEIA opens the Grind Session at 6 p.m. on Friday against Southeastern Preparatory Academy of Orlando at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre.

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