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 ..." 

Leesburg High School Embroidered Women's Long-Sleeve Denim Shirt

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.

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

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