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.