Thursday, March 31, 2011

Lady Jackets Jaleesa Blue named to 2011 FACA All-State Girls Basketball team, March 28, 2011

LEESBURG'S JALEESA BLUE WAS NAME TO THE 2011 FACA ALL-STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM

FACA All-State girls basketball team announced

Mon. March 28, 2011 | Bryan Burns

The Florida Athletic Coaches Association has selected its all-state girls basketball players for the 2010-11 season. The players were picked by coaches state wide through nominations at district meetings.

Class 6A: Haley McKissack, Orange Park; Katherine Zander, Orange Park; Vosha Gordon, Deland; Mary Stricklin, Deland: Lyndia Valentin, University; January Miller, University; Dana Sparks, University; Monique Bunk, Olympia; Jordan Mosley, Timber Creek; Kelly Brennan, Plant; Kamika Idom, St. Petersburg; Kiara Shoats, South Broward; Chanlir Segarra, Cooper City.

Class 5A: Ricki Alex, Navarre; Deanna Canfield, Mosley; Tamara Fisher, Leon; Madison Harris, Fleming Island; Alexia Bell, Fleming Island; Delana Green, Wolfson; Thomia Wadley, West Port; Jaleesa Townsend, West Port; Raqurra Ishmar, Central; Briana Brown, Haines City; Zykira Lewis, Bartow; Amber Henson, Sickles; Dasia Daniels, Tampa Bay Tech; Kaitlynn Pacholke, Freedom; Tamara Taylor, Boca Ciega; Abby Wick, Port Charlotte; Myeisha Hall, Palm Beach Lakes; Lauren McGraw, Dillard; T'Keyah Williams, Dillard; Kayla Wright, Dillard.

Class 4A: Tiara Thompson, Washington; Chelsey Gibson, Pensacola; Ladeyah Forte, Pensacola; Megan Thorpe, Rutherford; Donielle Jenks, Godby; Ashley Martin, Godby; Allie Mano, Bartram Trail; Madison McDonald, St. Augustine; Emmalee Schill, St. Augustine; Alisha Dayton, Jackson; Erin Mosley, Paxon; Showra Jackson, Dunnellon; Lonna Turner, Eastside; Haleigh Spaulding, Vanguard; Reynique Torres, Vanguard; Jaleesa Blue, Leesburg; Nicole Adams, Gulf; Shanel Sweet, Land O'Lakes; Akia Davis, Titusville; Laurie' Beaty, Jefferson; Ben'ee Glanton, Jefferson; Christine Mansour, Barron Collier; Saphira Philson, Barron Collier; Ravin Grimm, Cypress Lake; Erika McKenzie, Cypress Lake; A.J. Irvan, Palmetto Ridge; Taylor Shade, Boynton Beach; Destiny Jones, Archbishop McCarthy; Olivia Richards, Archbishop McCarthy; Natalie Devarona, Archbishop McCarthy.

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Class 3A: Akeelah Jackson, Bay; Chelsea Rosier, Florida High; Laketra McGee, Florida High; Arneashia Stephens, Taylor County; Cailia Carter, Bolles; Precious Roberts, Raines; Sherronda Reddick, Ribault; Krista Brown, Ribault; Amber Ferguson, Trinity Catholic; Latasha Kennerson, South Sumter; Asia Manion, The Villages; Lindsey Silva, Bishop Moore; Angel Mitchell, Fort Meade; Markida Hawthorne, Avon Park; Meghan Keough, Tampa Catholic; Lizz Norton, Bishop Verot; Shanessa Stewart, Dunbar; Raigyne Moncrief, American Heritage Plantation; Monique Maximilien, North Broward Prep.

Class 2A: Hillary Harper, Ponce De Leon; Kryston Cuchens, Paxton; Sam Snider, South Walton; Courtney Ward, Wewahitchka; Precious Hall, Maclay; Cassidy Bailey, St. Joseph Academy; Sarah Alkhoury, St. Joseph Academy; Brianta Sanders, Hilliard; Cartaesha Macklin, Lafayette; Natalie Ball, Trinity Prep; Christin Strawbridge, Lakeland Christian; Vintoria Hopps, Brooks-DeBartolo; Michelle Woods, Community School of Naples; Jamie Burke, Benjamin; Taylor Shaw, Parkway Academy; Danielle Minott, Parkway Academy.

Class A: LaKaris Salters, FAMU; Kristene Allen, Munroe; Hope Pawlowski, Orlando Christian Prep; Michelle King, Victory Christian; Tesha Hanson, Seffner Christian; Maria DeKuiper, Bradenton Christian; Emily Lines, First Baptist Academy; Danielle McCray, Trinity Christian; Rebecca Lyttle, Hollywood Christian; Sarah Kelton, Hollywood Christian.

RESOURCES
Buddy Collings

Orlando Sentinel

March, 9 2011 10:05 PM

Article provided by:
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
www.leesburgladyjacketsbasketball.com

Gerald is a professional Internet marketer and social media marketing expert. His online business ventures and websites generate multiple streams of income annually. His consulting clients include best selling authors and international speakers.

Gerald is the CEO/President of Lacey LLC and OmariWholesale, Inc. He runs his entire business from his home where he is able to spend quality time with his family and friends. He is passionate about helping individuals to build and monetize their personal brand online.

Leesburg's Jaleesa Blue headed to Ocala for FABC game, March 9, 2011

LEESBURG JALEESA BLUE SELECTED TO PLAY IN ALL-STAR GAME

10 area seniors headed to Ocala for FABC game

by Buddy Collings

Orlando Sentinel

March, 9 2011 10:05 PM

A corrected roster for Saturday’s Florida Association of Basketball Coaches All-Star doubleheader at Ocala Vanguard includes six area seniors in the boys game and four in the girls game.

The girls game, tipping off at 5 p.m., includes Olympia’s Monique Bunk, Timber Creek’s Jordan Mosley, South Sumter’s Latasha Kennerson and Leesburg’s Jaleesa Blue.

The boys roster includes Oviedo’s Hunter Koepsell, Seminole’s Leonard Richardson, Hagerty’s Deion Bernard, Kissimmee Osceola’s Jedarion Jackson and Montverde Academy teammates Steve Missi and Jason Pimentel playing on opposite sides.

RESOURCES
Buddy Collings

Orlando Sentinel

March, 9 2011 10:05 PM

Article provided by:
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
www.leesburgladyjacketsbasketball.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lady Jackets Ashley Lanier commits to St. Petersburg College


Lady Jackets Ashley Lanier commits to St. Petersburg College

Ashley Lanier is the Fifth leading rebounder in Leesburg High School History

By Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
March 31, 2011

Leesburg girls standout Ashley Lanier has committed to play basketball at St. Petersburg College next season. The School is located in St. Petersburg, Florida and were Ranked #7 in State #2 Seed in the Southern Conference 2010-2011. She is expected to sign with the school on April 11 at Leesburg High School.

Lanier also had offers from the College of Central Florida and Florida State College of Jacksonville but decided to commit to St. Petersburg College. Lanier help lead the Lady Jackets to their 5th Final Four in the programs storied history. Lanier will be playing in the Lake/Sumter versus Marion/Alachua All Star Game on March 31, 2011. This game will be played at West Port High School in Ocala Florida at 7:00 P.M.

Lanier help lead Lake squad to a 90-40 Victory over the Volusia squad in the Lake vs. Volusia All Star Game on March 11, 2011. The game was played at Lyman High School in Longwood, Florida. Lanier performed very well at this event that is for senior girls basketball players.

The 5' 11" F/C Lanier was a starter for the Lady Jackets' in 2011-2012. She averaged 6.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. She had her most productive games rebounding in the regional playoffs with a 13 and 16 rebound games. She will take her rebounding and defensive skills to St. Petersburg, Florida school, Lanier closed out her high-school career with 486 points, good for 12th on the school's all-time list. She also grabbed 554 rebounds in a Leesburg uniform, which is fifth best in school history.

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Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
www.leesburgyellowjacketsbasketball.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Lady Jackets' Ashley Lanier makes official visit to Florida State College of Jacksonville, March 17, 2011

Leesburg High School's Jaleesa Blue (1) , left, watches as center Ashley Lanier (44) fights for the ball with Lakewood High's Schineice Beamon (1) in the fourth quarter of their Florida State High School Athletic Association basketball semifinals game Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, at The Lakeland Center. Lakewood beat Leesburg 48-31.

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

March 17, 2011

Leesburg - Lady Jackets senior Ashley Lanier made a official recruiting visit to St. Petersburg College on March 16, 2011 and was offered a full scholarship. She remains unsigned and will make a visit to Florida State College of Jacksonville today. The College of Central Florida is also in the hunt for the 5' 11" F/C rebounding and defensive skills.

Lanier will make a decision by signing day April 8, 2011.

Resources
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
March 17, 2011

Article provided by:
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About the Author

Lady Jackets Lanier and Caldwell selected to play in All Star Game, March 17, 2011

F/C Ashley Lanier

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

March 16, 2011

Ashley Lanier and Shaundrea Caldwell will be playing in the Lake/Sumter vs Marion/Alachua All Star game on March 31st. This game will be played at West Port High School at 7:00 P.M.

C/PF Shaundrea Caldwell

The pair recently played in the Lake vs Volusia All Star Game at Lyman Longwood High School.

Resources
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
March 17, 2011

Article provided by:
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About the Author

Jaleesa Blue shines in F.A.B.C. All-Star Game, March 15, 2011

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

March 16, 2011

Ocala - Leesburg High School Senior Jaleesa Blue participated in FABC 2011 Senior Allstar Game this past weekend. She had the opportunity to compete against the best in the state and represented the Lady Jackets program very well.

She played on the Navy team which was led by Boca Ciega's Tamara Taylor (University of South Florida signee) 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Navy team to an 89-84 victory over the White team.

Resources

Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club
February 22, 2011

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Three Lady Jackets participate in Lake vs Volusia All Star Game, March 11, 2011

F/C Ashley Lanier makes a shot attempt in 2011 Class 4A State Semifinal vs. St. Pete Lakewood

By Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club
March 17, 2011

Longwood - Leesburg Lady Jackets seniors Jaleesa Blue (Florida A&M University signee), Ashley Lanier and Shaundrea Caldwell participated in the Lake vs Volusia All Star Game on March 11, 2011, the Lake squad won the game 90-40.

All three players had outstanding performances in a event featuring the best senior girls basketball players in Lake and Volusia County.

F/C Ashley Lanier 5'11 looked impressive in front of scouts representing St. Petersburg College, The College of Central Florida, Florida State College of Jacksonville.

Resources
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club
March 17, 2011

Article provided by:
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About the Author

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

LEESBURG, 42-38 CLASS AAA GIRLS STATE SEMIFINAL, MARCH 1977

ROCKLEDGE GIRLS FEEL JACKETS' DEFENSIVE FURY

By Mel Barlow

Sports Editor

Daily Commercial

March 1977

WINTER PARK - Leesburg's chances of two state champions took a giant step forward Thursday night when the Girl Jackets defeated Rockledge in the AAA semi-finals at Winter Park High, 42-38.

Coach Bill Taylor's kids displayed an outstanding defensive game, holding the normally high scoring Raiders to only 15 first half points.

"Defense was the big key," said Taylor. "They played tough all the way and I think they are beginning to believe they can win the state title. Their confidence increased a lot tonight since they were playing a team that beat them in last year's playoff."

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Sandra Seward paced the Jacket offensive attack with 18 points, and along with Tammy Freitag controlled the boards throughout the contest.

"I knew I could do it," said a happy Seward."

"But I got a little worried when we only had a four point lead in the fourth quarter. The biggest thrill for me was when I made a basket late, got fouled and scored the foul shot."

Taylor had nothing but praise for the senior. "Sandra has come a long way since the beginning of the season. She didn't play any last year but dedicated herself when she tried out for the team, I don't know where we'd be without her"

The Jackets roared to a 18-10 first half advantage on Freitag and Seward's work under the basket and the deliberate brand of play when Leesburg had the ball. Taylor instructed his squad to go into a four corner set up late in the second period and Rockledge was completely caught off guard.

Leesburg High School Embroidered Unisex Back to Basic Pants

"I don't think they were expecting us to slow things down at that point," Taylor said. "We had the lead and I wanted to use as much of the clock as we could." Kelly McLeod, the Jackets' fine point guard, fouled out midway of the final period. With Annette Miller now in the lineup, the Raiders went into a full court press. But with Miller's superb ball handling and the help from Tammy Freitag and Linda Miller, Leesburg was able to hold the lead the rest of the way even though Rockledge did come up with a couple of key turnovers.

"I thought the girls showed a lot of poise when they started to press," Taylor said. "We could have easily turned the ball over more with Kelly out of the lineup."

The Raiders were down by 13 at the end of the third stanza. But coach Virgil Terry's squad wouldn't roll over and play dead.

The tempo of the contest picked up drastically down the stretch even though the Jackets tried to slow things down again, going into the four corner offense for a brief period.

With less than two minutes remaining, the Raiders narrowed the Leesburg lead to only three points. But Seward's key basket and foul shot along with Tammy Freitag's two-pointer and Bonnie Miller free throw kept the Yellow Jackets in front.

Cheryl Carter paced the losers with 10 points.

Leesburg will face the winner of tonight's Hallandale-Gulf Breeze contest. That takes place Saturday night at 7.

"We made an effort to have the game switched to an earlier starting time," said LHS principal Buford Robinson. "But it was simply too late"

Score by quarters

Leesburg 7-11-10-14--42

Rockledge 4-6-5-23--38

Leesburg - McLeod 1-0-2; B. Miller 3-1-7; Seward 8-2-18; Freitag 3-2-8; L. Miller 2-3-7; Totals: 17-8-42

Rockledge - Armstrong 4-0-8; Carter 5-0-10; Larista 0-1-1; Lipsey 4-0-8; Lee 4-1-9; Bartusek 1-0-2; Totals 18-2--38

Fouls: Leesburg 13; Rockledge 16

Fouled out; McLeod, Leesburg

Article provided by:
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
www.leesburgyellowladyjacketsbasketball.com

Title dream deferred, February 26, 2011

Leesburg High School's Ashley Perry (32) blocks a shot by Lakewood High's Schineice Beamon (1) in the first quarter of their Florida State High School Athletic Association semifinals game Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, at The Lakeland Center. Lakewood beat Leesburg 48-31.

LAKELAND

Frank Jolley

frankjolley@dailycommercial.com

They came. They played. They left -- too quick.

For the Leesburg High School girls basketball team, Friday's appearance in the Florida High School Athletic Association's Class 4A state semifinals had the makings for a storybook ending. Instead, it ended with dejection and disappointment.

The Yellow Jackets were bounced from the tournament after a 48-31 loss to St. Petersburg Lakewood, who will face Pensacola at noon today for the Class 4A state championship.

While admitting that his team didn't play well enough to win, Leesburg coach Mark Oates believes the Yellow Jackets have the talent to play for a state championship, even though they will have to wait for at least another season to prove it.

Friday's game was the third state semifinals game for Leesburg in the last five years, but it also was the third straight loss in their opening game.

"Frankly, I'm getting tired of coming down to Lakeland and leaving after just one game," a solemn Oates said after Friday's loss. "I don't want to be the first team interviewed after a game. The winning team goes second, and that's where I'd like to be. For whatever reason, we always seem to play our worst games in Lakeland.

"These girls are so much better than they played today."

Not only were the players and coaches disappointed with Friday's outcome, a large contingent of fans who made the 60-plus mile trek from Leesburg also fought with their postgame emotions.

According to Principal Bill Miller, about 100 students and more than 20 staff members from the school rode buses to the game. Countless other fans, including parents of the players, drove their own vehicles.

Leesburg High School guard Baylie Bridges, right, listens as Coach Mark Oates describes her team's 48-31 loss to Lakewood High School at the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 4A basketball semifinals Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, at The Lakeland Center.

The Yellow Jackets faithful arrived early, and set up camp behind the bench. Leesburg was so well supported that its fans filled the seating area behind both benches, forcing St. Petersburg Lakewood supporters to sit on the opposite side of the building.

Leesburg fans dressed for their role as fans and supporters, decked out in orange and black clothing. Many also brought signs, demonstrating their support for the team.

"It's a sad day, because Leesburg should've won this game," said Regina Browder, who called in sick and drove from Fruitland Park for the game. "They've played so well this year, and deserve to be the state champions, but it's not going to happen. Not this year, at least. (St. Petersburg) Lakewood is a good team , but I still think we're better.

Saddened by a 48-31 loss to Lakewood High School, Leesburg High forward Jaleesa Blue, left, and guard Ashley Perry listen as Coach Mark Oates describes the game after the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 4A basketball semifinals Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, at The Lakeland Center. Blue, who will graduate this year, said she had hoped to finish her last season with a state championship.

"I'm disappointed -- as I'm sure the girls are -- but Leesburg will be back and get another chance. When they do come back, I'll be here to see it, too," Browder said.

After the game, the emotions of the day stained the faces of the Yellow Jackets. Eyes were red and puffy when they met the media for postgame interviews, as the reality of the outcome began to sink in.

Players who are normally boisterous and lively were quiet and withdrawn.

"We just picked a bad time to play our worst game of the season," sophomore guard Joharra Russell said. "For some reason, we quit doing the things we did all season to get to Lakeland. I don't know why. I don't know if any of us know ..."

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Perhaps to take the pressure off his young players, who were forced to answer tough questions in a difficult situation, Oates offered a "pick-me-up" comment to his players and the community.

"I'm blessed to coach some young ladies," Oates said. "I love every one of them. I love the community we live in, and the support it gives us. Our program wouldn't be what it is without that support.

"Everyone who is a Yellow Jacket is disappointed right now, but our goal is to come back to Lakeland next and get past the first game. We want to start staying in Lakeland for an extra day," he said.

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Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
www.leesburgyellowladyjacketsbasketball.com

Lady Jackets ready for next 'biggest game', February 25, 2011

Ashley Perry, left, and Kendall Caudill work on drills Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, during a girls basketball practice at Leesburg High School. The team will face St. Petersburg Lakewood in the Class 4A state semfinals Friday, Feb. 25 at the Lakeland Center.

FRANK JOLLEY | Staff Writer

frankjolley@dailycommercial.com

LAKELAND -- The Leesburg High School girls basketball team is ready for its latest big game.

The Yellow Jackets, who have made two previous trips to the Lakeland Center to take part in the Florida High School Athletic Association's girls basketball championships at the Lakeland Center, hope to have the chance to play two "biggest games" this weekend.

Leesburg (23-6) plays St. Petersburg Lakewood at 10 a.m. today in a Class 4A semifinal game. A victory in that game would send the Yellow Jackets into the Class 4A championship game at noon Saturday against the winner of the today's other semifinal contest between Pensacola and Titusville.

Leesburg High School Women's 6.1 oz Ultra Cotton T-Shirt

The Yellow Jackets last played for the state championship in 1977, losing against Hallandale.

Leesburg coach Mark Oates believes this team has as much potential as any team he's coached in his eight years with the Yellow Jackets.

"These girls have played the best teams in the state," Oates said. "They played Lake Mary (a Class 6A state semifinalist) and Gainesville (a Class 5A regiona semifinalist). They know how to respond in pressure situations.

"If go out and play our style of basketball -- tough defense -- and play our best game of the season, I believe we can beat anyone in the state."

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Oates said the Yellow Jackets aren't taking the Spartans (20-4) for granted. He knows Leesburg has to stop -- or at least, slow down -- St. Petersburg Lakewood's 6-foot-0 scorer Tianah Alvarado.

Today's game has the trappings of a classic offense versus defense contest. Lakewood's doesn't run a lot of set plays, Oates said, but they are effective in transition.

Leesburg's ability to slow down the Spartans and force them into a half-court attack will be a key to determining if the Yellow Jackets will advance Saturday's title game, Oates said.

"For us, it's all about playing defense," Oates said. "If we play well on the defensive end, we can usually generate enough offense to win. We can't let them dictate the pace of the game. Lakewood has to play at our tempo.

"The team that controls the speed of the game likely will win."

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Oates' incessant preaching about defending the ball and the 3-point arc has rubbed off on his players. They understand the importance of today's game and each player is motivated by their desire to earn a berth in the championship game for their team and their coach.

"I'm proud of what we've accomplished this year, but we're not done yet," junior guard Baylie Bridges said. "We're going to Lakeland to win the Class 4A state championship. We've worked for an opportunity to play for a title. I don't want to go home without (the state championship).

"Coach Oates has been here twice before, and we want to be the team that gives him a championship. He's worked so hard to give us the chance to be here in Lakeland."

More than 100 students will ride in two buses to today's game, according to Leesburg principal Bill Miller. He added that nearly 30 of the school's staff members also will be making the trek to Lakeland.

Throw in countless residents and fans of the team who are taking the day off from work to support the Yellow Jackets, and it becomes apparent the team will be supported by a boisterous crowd when they run on to the court this morning.

"I wouldn't miss this for anything," said Robert Baxter, who describes himself as a "longtime fan of boys and girls basketball at Leesburg High School."

"Both of our teams this year have a chance to be champions, and I want to be a part of it. I'd be going to (today's) game even if it were being played in Miami. The girls and Coach Oates deserve our support. If they win (today), Saturday will be a special day in Leesburg. Everyone in town should drive over to Lakeland.

"I think Leesburg wins the state championship."

RESOURCES

FRANK JOLLEY | Staff Writer

frankjolley@dailycommercial.com

Article provided by:
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
www.leesburgyellowladyjacketsbasketball.com

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Lady Jags miss shot to escape last place | The Augusta Chronicle

Former Leesburg High Standout Waneta Carlisle (right) takes a hand to the face from Lady Jaguars' teammate Brooke McCants going for a rebound.

Former Leesburg High Standout Waneta Carlisle posted her second double-double of the season, pacing the Lady Jaguars with 17 points and 16 rebounds. For more click below

Lady Jags miss shot to escape last place | The Augusta Chronicle

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Troy University - Trojans Fall to ULM at SBC Championships

Former Leesburg High Standout Tenia Manuel posts double-double in loss, Jamesha Blake injured in opening minutes

Tenia Manuel (Leesburg, Fla./Leesburg HS) posted a double-double on the night as she scored 14 points and grabbed 12 rebounds; while DeAngela Sword (Montgomery, Ala./Pensacola JC) posted 16 points in the loss. Senior Donette McNair (New London, Conn./New London HS) finished the contest with eight points and 11 rebounds. FOR MORE CLICK BELOW

Troy University - Trojans Fall to ULM at SBC Championships

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