Gerald Lacey One On One With Mark Oates, August 18, 2011

Leesburg Head Coach Mark Oates and PG Baylie Bridges in the postgame interview at the FHSAA Girls Basketball Class 4A State Final Four

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

August 18, 2011

Leesburg - Leesburg Lady Jackets head coach Mark Oates has been busy this summer getting team ready for another run at a State Final Four. Three starters return from last year team including the top two scorers from 2010-2011. Senior Coco Carter had a great summer and the 2011-2012 will be her finest season as a Lady Jacket. I had a chance to sit down with Coach Oates this morning and talk about the upcoming season for the Lady Jackets.

Here is an exclusive interview with Leesburg High School Girls Basketball Head Coach Mark Oates

Carver Heights Quarterback Club Presents:

Gerald Lacey One On One With Coach Mark Oates

Gerald Lacey:

Good morning coach Oates how are you?

Coach Mark Oates:

I am doing fine this morning Gerald.

 

Gerald Lacey:

Coach Oates when took over the program at Leesburg did you ever imagine being one of the elite teams in state.

Coach Mark Oates:

Our goal from the time I became the Head Coach in 2003 was to become the best program in the state of Florida.

Leesburg head coach Mark Oates led the Lady Jackets to the programs 16th District Championship in 2010-2011

Gerald Lacey:

Is this the largest tournament that your Lady Jackets ever been invited to.

Coach Mark Oates:

We played in this same tournamen last year but the name of the tournament has changed. Last year it was called the Brothers, Inc. Tournament. The same group is still coordinating the tournament. Last years tournament had 64 teams from all over the United States. 

Gerald Lacey:

What will you do to prepare your team for this event?

Coach Mark Oates:

We will prepare like we always do, we want to be well conditioned as well as disciplined.

Gerald Lacey:

What will your expectations be of your point guard and second leading scorer Baylie Bridges this season?

Coach Mark Oates:

I expect Baylie to continue to be the team leader that she has been since the day she stepped foot on Leesburg High's campus.. Baylie is a dream come true and I would love to have 12 Baylie's. I feel she is probably the most underrated player in the state. 

Gerald Lacey: 

Which colleges are interested in Baylie Bridges at this time.

Coach Mark Oates:

Troy University, University of West Florida , Florida Gulf Coast University , Jacksonville University, Samford University and others. 

SG Joharra Russell will be counted on heavily during her junior season in 2011-2012

Gerald Lacey:

Are you excited about the upcoming season with your top two leading scorers Ashley Perry and Baylie Bridges returning.

Coach Mark Oates:

I am very excited about the return of Baylie and Ashley Perry as well as Joharra Russell and Coco Carter.

Gerald Lacey:

You have been impressed with Coco Carter this summer what does she bring to the table in terms of her basketball skills and court savvy?

Coach Mark Oates:

Coco will be the surprise player in central Florida this season. We had a great summer and an awesome experience at camp down at the University of West Florida in Pensacola. Coco has the ability to get hot from long range and hit 4 or 5 three pointers in a row. She has not shown what kind of player she really is in previous seasons but I think this season she will quickly become a fan favorite. Coco has such a vivacious personality and makes everyone around her feel at ease. She can get down and dirty when she has to also.

Coco Carter will have a breakout season this year for the Lady Jackets. She is capable of  taking over a game with her 3 point shooting. Carter will give opposing coaches and defenses nightmares in 2011-2012 scoring 3 point baskets.

Gerald Lacey:

How will you compensate for the loss of Jaleesa Blue and Ashley Lanier in terms of rebounding?

Mark Oates:

Jaleesa Blue and Ashley Lanier were outstanding rebounders but we will become more of a team of rebounders next season. 

Gerald Lacey:

Does this team believe it can get back to Lakeland and what has been your motto for achieving that goal this year.

Coach Mark Oates:

"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." 

Junior Forward Ashley Perry will be on every college in the nation wish list by the end of the 2011-2012 season. She led the team in scoring her sophomore season and has had a great summer.

Gerald Lacey: 

Thank You Coach Oates you and your Lady Jackets help make my job so much fun and easier. I thank God that you have allowed me total access to your team and your program. You are a winner coach Oates on and off the court. May God continue to bless you and your program. Remember "GO HARD".

Coach Mark Oates:

Thanks Gerald and you keep up the good work brotha.

Resources
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
geraldlacey@leesburgyellowjacketsfootball.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.

Lady Jackets invited to Queen of the Palms Classic, August 18, 2011

Leesburg head coach Mark Oates and his Leesburg Lady Yellow Jackets have been invited to play in the Queen of the Palms Classic Girls Basketball Tournament August 18, 2011

LEESBURG -  When Lady Jackets Head Coach Mark Oates took over the Leesburg girls basketball program in 2003 he had visions of a hoops dynasty at Leesburg. As a youngster growing up in North Carolina, Oates was a fan of the University of North Carolina and of its coach, Dean Smith. His approach to the game is similar to the one Smith used to build a dynasty with the Tar Heels. 

"My preferred style of play is the same style Dean Smith used," Oates said. "In our system, we don't run a whole lot of set plays on offense. Scoring opportunities come if you are willing to play defense. It is not hard for kids to buy into the philosophy of having to play defense because they can score points."

Leesburg two leading scorers in 2011 Baylie Bridges left and Ashley Perry right


 

He has accomplished that in his eight seasons at Leesburg leading the Lady Jackets to 3 State Final Four appearances in 5 years. His Lady Jackets are favored to return to Final Four for 6th time in programs storied history in 2012. Oates squad is loaded once again and he returns his top two scorers PG Baylie Bridges and SF Ashley Perry.

The rewards for building such program are recogition on a national level. The type of program that Oates has built has led his Lady Jackets to being invited to some of the most prestegious tournaments in the nation.

Joharra Russell will be asked to play a bigger role in the Lady Jackets offense with the departures of  last years top two rebounders Jaleesa Blue Florida A&M signee and Ashley Lanier Saint Petersburg College signee.

Oates Lady Jackets have been invited to the 64 team Queen of the Palms Classic, set for Dec. 28-30 in Fort Myers, Florida.  The 64-team field has seven Central Florida girls basketball teams Timber Creek, Evans, Leesburg, Orlando University, Olympia, Lake Mary and Boone. The teams are divided into eight eight-team divisions. Last year, Olympia (platinum) and Timber Creek (gold) won their respective divisions.

The 64-team tournament will feature potentially four teams ranked nationally and a number of players who are slated to play at the Division I level in college.


The complete brackets and schedule for the classic have yet to be announced. 


Here is a short list of some of the teams that will participating:
Haines City, Port Charlotte, Sarasota Riverview, Sebastian River, St. Petersburg, Orlando Timber Creek, Viera, Gainesville Buchholz, Fort Myers Dunbar, Tallahassee Florida High, Fort Pierce Central, Naples Gulf Coast, Sarasota, Riviera Beach Suncoast, Ocala West Port, Golden Gate, Jacksonville-Bolles, Hialeah, Lehigh, Palm Beach Central, 
Palm Harbor-UniversitySeffner Christian, Leto-Steinbrenner, Palmetto Ridge, Orlando-Boone, Cape Coral, Lake Mary, Tallhassee-Lincoln, Riverview-Spoto, Vero Beach

Resources

Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
geraldlacey@leesburgyellowjacketsfootball.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.

Gerald Lacey One On One With Jaleesa Blue, August 17, 2011

Former Leesburg Lady Jackets Standout Jaleesa Blue will continue her very successful basketball career in Tallahassee at Florida A&M University this fall.

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

August 17, 2011

 

Leesburg - Jaleesa Blue is a 6'0" combo player from Leesburg, Florida.  She averaged 11.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocked shots per game as a senior at Leesburg High School.  She was ranked the No.1 power forward in the state of Florida in 2011.  She holds the record for most rebounds and blocked shots in Leesburg High School girls basketball history.

Here is a short list of Jaleesa Blue's accomplishments

2011 Florida A&M University Signee

2011 FHSAA Girls Basketball State Semifinalist

2011 Lake County Player of the Year

Orlando Sentinel Player of the Week

2011 Team MVP

2011 Top 25 in Central Florida Girls Basketball

Top Shot Blocker in School History Girls Basketball

2011 Defensive & Offensive Rebounder Award for Leesburg Girls Basketball

2011 Orlando Sentinel All Central Florida Girls Basketball Team

2011 FACA All-State Girls Basketball Team

2010 Top 20 Junior in Central Florida

Here is an exclusive interview with 

Florida A&M University Signee Jaleesa Blue

Carver Heights Quarterback Club Presents:

Gerald Lacey One On One With Florida A&M University's Jaleesa Blue

Gerald Lacey:

Good Morning Jaleesa How are you?

Jaleesa Blue:

Good morning Mr. Lacey I am doing fine.

Gerald Lacey:

When will you be leaving for school Jaleesa?

Jaleesa Blue:

August 21, 2011

Jaleesa Blue will play her home games at the Al Lawson Jr. Multi Purpose Center on the campus of Florida A&M University. The Florida A&M University Rattlers have the best Division I basketball arena in the South with the 10,000 seat Al Lawson Center, opened in late 2009.

Gerald Lacey:

What kind of conditioning have you been doing during the offseason in preparing for your first year playing college basketball?

Jaleesa Blue:

I have been working out with my high school coach Mark Oates. He has been having me do drill work, shooting, running, and etc. and I also have been working out with my cousins Garnel and Sandy Rackley they have been having me lift weights so I can strengthen my arms and legs.

Gerald Lacey:

What position will you play at Florida A&M?

Jaleesa Blue:

I will be playing the guard/forward position

Former Lady Jacket Jaleesa Blue will continue her education at Florida A&M University one of the oldest and largest HBCU's in the nation.

Gerald Lacey:

Who insprired you the most?

Jaleesa Blue:

My mother (Melva Blue) inspired me the most because to see her raise me on her own and work hard to take care of me makes me want to go out and work hard to accomplish my goals so I can be something in life to take care of her.

Gerald Lacey:

What will you major in at Florida A&M?

Jaleesa Blue:

I will be majoring out of sports management or physical therapy but most likely physical therapy.

Jaleesa Blue with her mom Melva Blue before Prom 2011

Gerald Lacey:

Are you excited about having the opportunity to play basketball in college?

Jaleesa Blue:

Yes im very excited to have the opportunity to play college basketball because a lot of people don’t have a chance to play college ball so its like a dream come true and to play for FAMU im very excited. So FAMU better get ready for me cause Jaleesa Blue is going to strike, strike, and strike again!!! LOL! 

Gerald Lacey:

How helpful was Coach Mark Oates and his staff in helping you get a scholarship?

Jaleesa Blue:

Coach Oates and the coaching staff have been very helpful and not only my high school coaches have been helpful but also my AAU coaches in getting me exposed to college coaches.

Jaleesa dribbles the ball towards the basket in 2011 FHSAA Class 4A Girls Basketball Semifinals vs Saint Petersburg Lakewood

Gerald Lacey:

How did you feel about playing for Coach Oates?

Jaleesa Blue:

I feel like playing for coach Oates is an honor because there is not a lot of coaches that will do what he do to help his players and not only does he coaches but he give life lessons through his coaching and is a father figure to a lot of us players that played for him.

Gerald Lacey:

Did his program prepare you for the college level?

Jaleesa Blue:

Yes I feel like his program is going to prepare me for college because he coaches and practice us like we in college so I feel like its going to prepare me.

Leesburg's Jaleesa Blue (seated) along with (left to right) Ethel Blue, Demond Blue, Melva Blue (mother), Leesburg coach Mark Oates, Sandi Rackley and Leesburg assistant coach Heather Connelly

Gerald Lacey:

What are your goals for your first year at FAMU?

Jaleesa Blue:

My goals as a first year freshman is to come in and work hard and have a quick impact on the team to help us win, also to start as a freshman, and to help my team win a MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Championship!!!

Gerald Lacey:

Will you play right away or will you redshirt?

Jaleesa Blue:

Yes hopefully I will play right away. I don’t know about the redshirt I haven’t talk to my coach about that.

Gerald Lacey:

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Jaleesa Blue:

The accomplishment im most proud of is getting my high school diploma Lord knows I been through a lot to get that.

Gerald Lacey:

What role did your parents play in your school selection?

Jaleesa Blue:

My family played a big role with my selection to go to Florida A&M and I want to say thank you for helping me and I really appreciate everything you all have done for  me(you all know who you are) thank you.

Jaleesa Blue battling for a rebound in the FHSAA Class 4A Girls State Basketball Semifinal game against Saint Petersburg Lakewood High

Gerald Lacey:

What steps do you planning on taking in order to make a smooth transition from high school to college?

Jaleesa Blue:

The steps I plan on taking is to continue to workout with coach Oates and my peeps, and follow the workout plan that FAMU gave me.

Gerald Lacey:

Good luck with your future at Florida A&M University my youngest child De'Breah will be a sophomore there this fall. I look forward to seeing you play over the next four years. Remember GO HARD!!!!!


Jaleesa Blue:
Thank You Mr. Lacey


Resources
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
geraldlacey@leesburgyellowjacketsfootball.com
www.leesburgyellowjacketsfootball.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.