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| Leesburg Girls Basketball Coach Mark Oates |
By Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
November 18, 2011
LEESBURG - The Lady Jackets of Leesburg High School has begun its quest for a return trip to Lakeland for the State Finals. Head coach Mark Oates is in his ninth year at Leesburg and has a record of 175-53 overall. Oates has never had a losing season at Leesburg and has guided his team to the State Final Four three times in the last five years. The Lady Jackets have been to five State Final Four overall and did it back to back twice.
I had a chance to speak with Coach Oates this morning one on one about the state of the Lady Jackets Basketball program.
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
Coach Mark Oates:Good Morning Coach Oates
Coach Mark Oates:
Hi Gerald
Gerald Lacey:
What does your starting PG and 2012 University of West Florida Signee Baylie Bridges bring to the table for your program?
Coach Mark Oates:
"She's been my starting point guard from Day 1, She comes in every day ready to work. She's a true leader in every sense of the word."
Leesburg has been traditionally a full court press team. Will you be a team that utilizes the press defensively?
Coach Mark Oates:
We will press some, probably not as much in years past due to the type of players that we have this year. I think we will be more of an in your face half court team.
Gerald Lacey:
What are some of your goals for this season's team?
Coach Mark Oates:
Our first goal every season is to win our first game and we accomplished that but, ultimately to be a State Champion.
What are some of the similarities between this season's team and last year's team?
Coach Mark Oates:
This team has a core group from last season in Baylie Bridges, Ashley Perry, Joharra Russell and Coco Carter. We have some new faces and I feel we have more interior depth. Jaleesa Blue (Florida A&M University) and Ashley Lanier (St. Petersburg College) are missed in the post area.
Gerald Lacey:
Will Ashley Perry be your number one option on offense?
Mark Oates:
We don't place a value system on our options, we try to get the ball to the player in the best position to score.
Could you tell us a little about newcomer freshman Jasmine Coleman?
Coach Mark Oates:
Jasmine is going to be a fine player one day. She is struggling a lil with the transition from Middle School to high school. She is a good shooter and will help us this season.
Gerald Lacey:
Thank you for taking out time in your busy schedule to do this interview Coach Oates. Remember do it the Yellow Jacket Way "GO HARD".
Coach Mark Oates:
You are welcome Gerald, I will.
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.
