Showing posts with label mark oates. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Former Lady Jackets Carter and Lanier Face Each Other In College, December 6, 2011

Former Lady Jackets Sherita Carter (Left) Leesburg High School head coach Mark Oates (Middle) and Former Lady Jackets standout Ashley Lanier (Right)

By Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
December 6, 2011

OCALA - Former Lady Jackets Sherita Carter and Ashley Lanier teams faced each other Saturday in a women's basketball game at the College of Central Florida. Carter is a 5-7 freshmen guard for the College of Central Florida. She played under Leesburg head coach Mark Oates at Leesburg High School and made a state final four appearance during her career.

"I really did enjoy the opportunity to see two of our former Lady Jackets face off against each other," said Oates after game.

Ashley Lanier is a freshmen at Saint Petersburg College and helped lead Leesburg to a state final four appearance in 2011. Lanier is the school's fifth alltime leading rebounder in Lady Jackets basketball history.

"I felt very proud of the ladies, said Oates on Carter and Perry. "Coco Carter, Ashley Perry and Asia Whitlow made the trip with me. The girls were just there to support their former teammates and in Coco's case her sister and former teammate."

Central Florida sophomore Quinnecia Twine fueled a thrilling women's basketball win over visiting St. Petersburg. Twine turned in a 27-point performance to help CF pull off an upset of the state's fifth-ranked team. The Atlanta native made 7 of 10 three-pointers and 6 of 8 free-throw attempts while adding 3 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 assists.

2011-2012 Saint Petersburg College Womens Basketball Team.

Freshman TiChina Mitchell delivered one of the finest efforts of her young collegiate career with a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double.

CF (6-5) erased a 10-point first-half deficit to tie the game at halftime, and shot 50 percent from the field in the second half to earn the narrow victory.

Article provided by:
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
1986 Varsity Jackets Football Lettermen #82
Class of 1988 Leesburg High School
leesburgyellowjacketsfootball@yahoo.com
www.leesburgladyjacketsbasketball.com

Monday, December 5, 2011

Lady Jackets Get Back In Win Column, December 1, 2011

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

December 1, 2011

LEESBURG - The Lady Jackets of Leesburg High School 3-2 (2-1) got back into the win column Thursday night with a 51-36 win over Ocala Vanguard High School 1-4 (0-2). The win moved Leesburg into second place in Class 6A District 5 play. The Jackets are ranked number 5 in the latest Orlando Sentinel Super 16 Girls Basketball Poll.

The win snapped a two game losing streak by the Lady Jackets and put them back over the .500 mark with a 3-2 record

"The team entered the game more focused than on Tuesday night," Leesburg head coach Mark Oates said after the game.

Leesburg was lead by 2012 University of West Florida signee PG Baylie Bridges with 23 points. Bridges shot 73% from the field (11-15) and added 5 assists and 5 steals on the defensive end.

"Baylie has been playing at a high level for four years," Oates said on his teams leading scorer and leader. "But yes the fact that she knows where she will be next year has to be a comforting feeling."

Bridges is Leesburg leading scorer this season and has taken on the leadership role for Mark Oates Lady Jackets squad. Bridges has taken her game to another level since signing her letter of intent. Oates was asked about the importance of Bridges signing her letter of intent during the NCAA early signing period.

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Junior Joharra Russell backed up Bridges' effort wit 18 points.

Alex Wilhelm had 12 points and 4 assists to lead the Lady Knights. Cyerra Jones added 10 points and 8 rebounds, and Melisha Dillon had 6 points and 8 rebounds. Emily Williams pulled down 12 rebounds for the Lady Knights.

The victory snapped a two-game losing streak by the Yellow Jackets and lifted them back over the .500 mark with a 3-2 record.

Joharra Russell backed up Bridges' effort wit 18 points.

Marshanique Kelly added six points and six rebounds, followed by Temetria Simmons, who had three points and six rebounds.

Leesburg will travel to Port Orange Atlantic High School Friday night and Ocala Vanguard (1-4) will host Gainesville on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Post Game Interview With Mark Oates Read More Click Here

Ocala Vanguard Vs. Leesburg Game Box Score

Resources

Mark Oates
Girls Varsity Basketball Coach
Leesburg High School
December 1, 2011

Article provided by:
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
1986 Varsity Jackets Football Lettermen #82
Class of 1988 Leesburg High School
leesburgyellowjacketsfootball@yahoo.com
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.

Ocala Vanguard at Leesburg Girls Basketball Mark Oates Post Game Interview, December 2, 2011

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

Carver Heights Quarterback Club Presents:

Gerald Lacey:

Good Evening Coach Oates.

Mark Oates:

"Hi Gerald"

Gerald Lacey:
Congratulations on your big Class 6A District 5, 51-36 win over Ocala Vanguard High School Tonight. You had some other players play a few more minutes than normal tonight which certainly help in March. Did Ashley Perry dress for the game Thursday I noticed she wasn't in the box score. If so is she injured or for unspecified reasons?

Mark Oates:

"Yes Ashley dressed for the game but did not play. She is fine physically but I felt it best if she didnt play against Vanguard."

( JOSHUA C. CRUEY, ORLANDO SENTINEL / February 25, 2011 )Leesburg's Ashley Perry goes up for a shot during first quarter action of a Class 4A girls basketball semifinal against Lakewood at the Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Fla. on Friday, February 25, 2011.

Gerald Lacey:

What were the keys to this crucial Class 6A District victory?

Mark Oates:

"The team entered the game more foucsed than on Tuesday night."

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Gerald Lacey:

Baylie Bridges shot 73% from the field do you think by signing with the University of West Florida early has allowed her to play at such a high level now that she doesn't have to worry about recruiting?

Mark Oates:

"Baylie has been playing at a high level for four years but yes the fact that she knows where she will be next year has to be a comforting feeling. Baylie, her parents and myself wanted to get her signed early so that she could play loose and enjoy her senior season."

( JOSHUA C. CRUEY, ORLANDO SENTINEL / February 25, 2011 )Leesburg's Joharra Russell goes up to shoot during second quarter action of a Class 4A girls basketball semifinal against Lakewood at the Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Fla. on Friday, February 25, 2011.

Gerald Lacey:

Over the last couple of games Joharra Russell's has been scoring more is she becoming a legitimate scoring threat that opponents have to account for?

Mark Oates:

"I have asked Joharra to more aggressive offensively this season and she has responded. If we can get the 3 Amigas (Bridges, Perry and Russell) to play at the level consistently we will be hard to beat."

Gerald Lacey:

Thank Coach Oates good luck tommorow night against Port Orange Atlantic.

Mark Oates:

"Thank You Gerald"

Resources

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Mark Oates Post Game Interview With Gerald Lacey, November 30, 2011

Gainesville Hand Lady Jackets 2nd Straight Loss, December 1, 2011

2011-2012 Lady Jackets Basketball Team

Lady Jackets lose to visiting Gainesville 72-67

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

December 1, 2011

LEESBURG - The Lady Canes of Gainesville 4-0 (3-0) handed the Lady Jackets of Leesburg 2-2 (1-1) a five point loss Tuesday night at the Hive on the campus of Leesburg High School. The Lady Jackets got off to a slow start and, found themselves down by 18 points early in the Class 6A District 5 contest.

"We didn't come out with any intensity to start the game," said Mark Oates in post game interview with Gerald Lacey. "I have to do a better job of preparing the team so that they are ready to play."

The Lady Jackets were hampered by early foul trouble and 19 turnovers in the game. Russell, Perry and Marshanique Kelly all fouled out in the contest. Ninth year head coach Mark Oates had to go deep into his bench because the foul trouble that plagued his team all night. Oates played eleven Lady Jackets in the disappointing home loss.

"We didn't not value the ball and made careless turnovers repeatedly all night," said Oates.

Junior Ashley Perry 5-10 W and 2012 University of West Florida Signee Baylie Bridges led a furious 3rd quarter comeback and, lead briefly by one point. The Lady Canes regrouped to come away from the Hive with a crucial district road win. Gainesville remains in first place in the Class 6A District 5 race.

Ashley Perry shot 60% from the field and led the Jackets with 25 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 assists and, 6-11 at the charity stripe. PG Baylie Bridges 5-8, Sr. finished with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 11-14 at the free throw line. PG/SG Joharra Russell 5-8 Jr. contributed 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 5-8 from the free throw line.

SF Temetria Simmons 5-8 Jr. led the Lady Jackets in rebounding with 10.

Leesburg returns to action on Thursday hosting Class 6A District 5 opponent Ocala Vanguard at the Hive.

In Tuesday's JV action, the Gainesville 4-0 overwhelmed the host Leesburg 1-2 , by a count of 55-17.

GAME BOX SCORE

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Taft will suit up for Fayetteville State, April 15, 2006

Taft will suit up for Fayetteville State

LAKE SPORTS

The Leesburg girls basketball star signs with the D-II school in North Carolina.

April 15, 2006|By Joe Williams, Sentinel Staff Writer

LEESBURG -- Whenever Sharece Taft went to the playground, she would play basketball with the boys. Girls, for the most part, just couldn't compete.

It was those playground days of playing against the boys that Taft said has helped her prepare for the next step in her basketball journey -- playing in college. Taft, a 6-foot senior at Leesburg, signed a scholarship Friday with Fayetteville State University, an NCAA Division II school in North Carolina

Coming off a torn meniscus in her right knee that she suffered last July in a basketball-camp game at USF, Taft missed about half of this basketball season. When she did return, she was a little tentative. It wasn't until late in the season that she regained confidence in her knee.

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She finished the season averaging 11 points, seven rebounds and 3.2 steals per game.

"If it hadn't been for the injury, we would be here today talking about her signing with a Division I school," Leesburg Coach Mark Oates said. "But, you know, when she gets her degree, it won't say Division I or Division II on it. That is the main thing."

Taft said she could feel her confidence returning late in the season.

"Once I hurt my knee, I could tell that I wasn't the same. I was nervous," said Taft, who was nominated to the McDonald's All-American team.

Leesburg's Baylie Bridges reaches 1,000-point plateau, November 16, 2011

Sentinel Staff Writer

Leesburg senior girls basketball player Baylie Bridges eclipsed 1,000 points for her career Tuesday night.

Bridges scored 19 points in a 54-13 win over Lake Weir. She entered the game with 994 points and now has 1,013 points.

"She's been my starting point guard from Day 1," Leesburg coach Mark Oates said. "She comes in every day ready to work. She's a true leader in every sense of the word.

"She's happy to reach that milestone, but her main concern is winning and helping her teammates get better." READ MORE CLICK BELOW

Varsity Sports Report, Nov. 15: Leesburg's Baylie Bridges reaches 1,000-point plateau

Monday, November 14, 2011

Lady Jackets Make Girls basketball Super 16 preseason rankings, November 14, 2011

Varsity Girls Basketball Media Day ( JOSHUA C. CRUEY, ORLANDO SENTINEL / November 9, 2011 ) Portrait of Joharra Russell and Ashley Perry from Leesburg and Dominique Simpson from Jones High School in Orlando, Fla. during Varsity Girls Basketball media day on Wednesday November 09, 2011.

LEESBURG - Mark Oates Leesburg Lady Jackets are off to a fast start in 2011. The Lady Jackets are 2-0 and are ranked number six in the Orlando Sentinel Super 16 Girls High School Basketball poll. The Lady Jackets are looking to return to the State Final Four for the fourth time in six years this season. They return their top two scorers junior Ashley Perry and 2012 University Of West Florida Signee senior Baylie Bridges for the 2011-2012 season.

I spoke with Coach Mark Oates late last week and he is very excited about the upcoming season.

"Baylie Bridges signed with the University of West Florida on November 10th," Leesburg head coach Mark Oates said in a recent interview with Gerald Lacey. "We are expecting big things out of her along with Ashley Perry, Joharra Russell, Coco Carter and others. Practice has been going well and the girls looked good in our preseason classic."

"We defeated Merritt Island 67-45 on November 8, 2011 and defeated Apopka in a tough one 45-41on November 10, 2011"

The Lady Jackets open their Class 6A District 5 schedule tomorrow night when they travel to Ocala to face Lake Weir High School at 7:30 P.M.

Below are the Girls basketball Super 16 preseason rankings

1. Dr. Phillips: Last year's Class 6A state champs return every key player and are favorites to repeat.

2. Edgewater: Injury to Tremaine McCullough hurts, but Alexis Prince and Eagles are still contender.

3. Atlantic: Sharks advanced to 3A final four last year and project to be better.

4. Lake Brantley: Alexis Sams and Co. are poised to take control of Seminole County.

5. Father Lopez: Shannon Cranshaw returns to lead rejuvenated Green Wave.

6. Leesburg: Lake County's top squad made another final-four appearance last year.

7. Jones: After down year, the young, talented Tigers look to return to top.

8. Timber Creek: Wolves have good mix of returners and talented newcomers.

9. Orlando University: Cougars hope to make deep run in January Miller's final year.

10. DeLand: Bulldogs advanced to region final last year before crossing paths with Lake Mary.

11. Evans: Joy Adams and Trojans should benefit greatly in new class and district.

12. Lake Mary: How will Rams rebound after graduating every starter from state runner-up team?

13. Colonial: Grenadiers have talent and depth but reside in tough district.

14. Poinciana: Good regular season ended in first-round playoff loss last season.

15. West Orange: Warriors missed playoffs, but new district provides opportunities.

16. Olympia: With Monique Bunk graduated, Titans must find way to score points.

— Charles King

Resources
Orlando Sentinel
Varsity Basketball Blog
www.orlandosentinel.com

Thursday, August 18, 2011

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