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." 

Leesburg High School Women's Dri-Mesh V-Neck T-Shirt - L468V

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." 

Leesburg High School Alternative Women's Basic Crew T-Shirt

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

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.