Elijah Fonotia - college basketball in USA
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High School Graduation
16 June 2025Elijah graduated from Boys' Latin School of Maryland in June 2025 bringing an amazing two-year journey to an end. Elijah is so grateful to all of his supporters that made this dream a reality. He worked hard to achieve good grades and received a Faculty Award.
Elijah is reopening his Givealittle page to allow supporters to donate toward his housing costs as he begins his college journey. He has been blessed with a tuition scholarship and a partial athletic scholarship. Housing and meals are not covered as there is no on-campus housing.
Elijah is home in NZ for eight weeks so that he can work and save funds for his expenses over the coming year. Funds raised via Givealittle will support him with his living costs (approx $1000 USD per month).
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College journey
14 June 2025Elijah has committed to Harford Community College 🏀
Elijah is reopening his Givealittle page to allow supporters to donate toward his housing costs as he begins his college journey. He has been blessed with a tuition scholarship and a partial athletic scholarship however, housing and meals are not covered as there is no on-campus housing.
Elijah is home in NZ for eight weeks so that he can work and save funds for his expenses over the coming year. Funds raised via Givealittle will support him with his living costs (approx $1000 USD per month).
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Home in NZ
11 August 2024Elijah came home for the month of August, he’s hit the ground running with mahi, playing ball, helping ref local games, training, doing voluntary work, and spending time with whānau and friends.
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Senior year
11 August 2024Elijah completed his junior year with a 3.63 GPA. He has been appointed Dorm Monitor for the senior year. He loved his AAU season and is looking forward to excelling in both academics and basketball this year. College conversations have also begun which is exciting.
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AAU season
8 April 2024Elijah will be playing AAU from April to July 2024 with Team Takeover. He is really looking forward to this opportunity to play in a number of tournaments, gain experience, and for potential exposure to college coaches. We will post highlights once the games begin!
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2023/2024 High School season highlights
4 March 2024Highlights from Elijah's Junior year at high school in Maryland.
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School Interview (watch from 12mins 50secs)
4 March 2024Elijah was recently interviewed by his school, Boy's Latin School of Maryland, for the latest BLTV "On The Lake" episode.
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Art Show
2 February 2024Elijah had four art pieces selected for his school art show; we are so proud of Elijah - this is his first year doing art.
His art teacher wrote on his last report card “Elijah has integrated himself in the Boys’ Latin community and the class beautifully. The students look up to Elijah and are also entertained by his outburst of vocalisations when he feels he’s had any kind of success in art. He is a very kind young man and has a lot of talent. He remains focused on each project throughout the entire 55-minute class and has a solid understanding of each material we have used. I’m really proud of him and look forward to seeing his continued growth.”
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MIAA A Conference games
30 January 2024Elijah has been playing well; over the last few weeks he has really found his confidence and kicked into another gear. We are so proud to see his development in a matter of five months, on top of adjusting to boarding life, a new country, higher schooling expectations, and a new style of play. He’s thriving and we know he will just keep getting better!
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MIAA A Conference games
30 January 2024Elijah has been playing well, over the last few weeks he has really found his confidence and kicked into another gear. We are so proud to see his development in a matter of five months, in top of adjusting to boarding life, a new country, higher schooling expectations, and a new style of play. He’s thriving and we know he will just keep getting better!
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Elijahs season has started
20 November 2023Elijah had his first game of the season this month and a two game showcase; it has been great for him to apply the skills he has been learning over the past three months, working closely with his new head coach. There are learnings from every game, some wins and some losses, but the main thing is he is living his dream! This was all possible through the generosity of others.
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Fall League
9 September 2023Elijah has arrived and settled at his new school, Boys’ Latin.
He has hit the ground running with training 5x per week, and his own training morning and night 6x a week.
We love how committed he is ❤️
We are so thankful to the school for providing access to resources that will help him grow and develop his skills.
This weekend he plays his first game under the name “Team Grit” in the Fall League with neighbouring high schools.
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Local support - Pasifika Trust
25 August 2023Elijah's story is truly inspiring and reflects his incredible dedication and passion for basketball. His journey from a young age, fueled by his dream of playing in the NBA, showcases his determination and family support.
He has been given the opportunity to attend Boys’ Latin School of Maryland, a significant step towards achieving his dream. Boys Latin not only provides Elijah with a platform to excel academically but offers a top-notch sports program that aligns with his basketball aspirations. The emphasis on both academics and sports will provide him with the resources and environment he needs to continue honing his skills while receiving a well-rounded education.
It's evident that Elijah's commitment goes beyond just his skill on the court. He's willing to put in the extra effort by waking up early for gym sessions, working two jobs to support his costs, and training with multiple teams. This level of dedication speaks volumes about his work ethic and his strong desire to succeed.
Elijah's story is a testament to the importance of family support. Elijah's success is not only his own but also a reflection of the support, encouragement, and sacrifices made by his family and the wider community.
His journey teaches us that hard work, determination, and a strong support system, it's possible to pursue one's dreams. His story is an inspiration to aspiring athletes striving to achieve their goals, reminding them that with unwavering commitment, they can achieve success.
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Ngongotaha Sports & Community Association (Facebook post)
19 August 2023Introducing Elijah Fonotia, a young rising basketball star currently making waves as a key player for the Ngongotaha Prems basketball team. Recently, Elijah received some exciting news that he has been accepted to The Boys Latin School of Maryland, Baltimore, a prestigious institution known for its strong academic and sports programs. This remarkable opportunity is a testament to Elijah's dedication and skill in the game.
But this isn't just any ordinary move, it's a combination of cultural exchange and shared passion for sports. Ngongotaha Sports has built lasting connections with the people of Baltimore during a rugby exchange program with Mount St Marys Rugby & the whānau connection of Dean & Jodie Wharekura. As a result of this exchange, a bridge has been created between the two communities, opening doors for young rangatahi like Elijah.
The bond between Ngongotaha and Baltimore has allowed for Elijah to be introduced to the caring and supportive whānau of Chuck Lowensen. Elijah's transition into The Boys Latin School will be smooth with their loving support and guidance.
A bright future awaits for Elijah and we can't wait to see him excel both on and off the court at The Boys Latin School of Maryland. We are looking forward to seeing you on your basketball and international journey Elijah.
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Counting down
7 August 2023Elijah leaves NZ in 19 days and is so ready for this next chapter in his life. Two weeks after arriving he will attend an awesome exposure event hosted by his school:
Boys Grades 9-12 DMV Academic Showcase at Boys’ Latin School in Baltimore … college coaches, recruiting services, and recruiting Q&A panels with upnxtsports.com
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Las Vegas Live
26 July 2023Elijah played in the BigFoot Hoops Las Vegas Live tournament with the Rotorua Tāne team from 20-23 July 2023. This was an amazing experience and exposure event. 116 teams competed in the boys U17 grade. Elijah has a few clips from one of the games which can be viewed at the link below:
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Hoop Dreams
21 June 2023Many parents have high hopes that their children will do great things in life, supporting them along the way, regardless how their dreams and goals change over time as they grow up.
It has been so rewarding to watch Elijah grow his love of basketball, particularly over the past five years. He has been faithful to his dream, refining his goals over time, working hard in the hope of reaching his ultimate goal - playing professional basketball.
We are so thankful to the village that has helped us help Elijah to make this dream a reality. He has worked so hard and so have you! Without the financial support we couldn't have done it. There have been so many little costs we had not anticipated however support from whānau and friends has helped us keep progressing.
Elijah's Visa is complete, flights are booked, and his school enrolment is finalised. He is working hard at three jobs over the two months before he leaves, building his savings so he has pocket money for the next two years!
Thank you everyone! Words can't express our gratitude.
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