Most high school athletes dream of making a varsity team by their junior or senior year. Many basketball players yearn to be taller. Yet, at 5-7 and in ninth grade Ian Fels has landed a spot on the Varsity basketball team.

For Fels, basketball runs in his blood. His father, Jon Fels, was recruited to play at several Division One schools, such as the University of Connecticut. “My father had a chance to play for a really good school but made a bad decision to go elsewhere. He doesn’t want me making the same decision, so I stay focused” Fels said, “ Considering my father has been playing ball his whole life it’s been in my life since the plastic basketball hoop days when I was three,”

Fels was a member of the Miami City Ballers AAU, a team that competes nationally and placed eighth in the nation. After impressing Krop coaches, Fels earned a roster spot on the Varsity team.

“Ian is always playing basketball,” said Evan Bergmann, a freshman and friend of Ian’s, “its fun to play with him because he keeps improving.” Fels practices an average of one to three hours a day following a strict routine of 100 three pointers, 50 free throws, and 100 jump shots.

“A lot of my success is due to Coach Allick, Shaky Rodriguez, and Chris Timberlake. Each one of them has taught me something new to help me with my game and without them I would not be the kind of player I am today.”

Chris Timberlake, Krop’s first freshman to make Varsity, has been a mentor. “Chris is in the position I hope to be in a few years. He helps me in every aspect of my game and I am going to work hard to model my game after him not only because of his playing abilities but his leadership qualities,” said Fels.

Practicing doesn’t stop at the school gym. Ian travels to South Miami to work out with coach Shakey Rodriguez who has led multiple schools to championships.

“He is really the difference in my game, without him, I don’t know where I’d be. I do whatever I can to get better at what I do. If it means driving a while to play with Shakey then that’s what I will do,” said Fels.