LEESBURG LADY JACKETS BASKETBALL NEWS: lady jackets basketball

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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

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Lady Jackets Playoff History, November 19, 2011

State Runner-up
1977

State Final Four
1976, 1977, 2007, 2008, 2010

Regional Championships
1976, 1977, 2007, 2008, 2011

Regional Appearances
1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1985, 1986, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011

20 Win Seasons
1976, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

District Championships
1976, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1986, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008

1976 Class 3A Regionals: Leesburg d. Venice score NA

1976 Class 3A Sectionals: Leesburg 58, Tampa Catholic 51

1976 Class 3A Semifinals: Rockledge 38, Leesburg 34

1977 Class 3A Regionals: Leesburg 41, Wauchula Hardee County 34

1977 Class 3A Sectionals: Leesburg 45, Naples Lely 33

1977 Class 3A Semifinals: Leesburg 42 Rockledge 38

1977 Class 3A Championship: Hallandale 61, Leesburg 32

1978 Class 3A Regionals: Titusville 44, Leesburg 34

1979 Class 3A Regionals: Cocoa d. Leesburg score na

1980 Class 3A Regionals: Leesburg 37, Crystal River 34

1980 Class 3A Sectionals: Gainesville F.W. Buchholz 41, Leesburg 36

1981 Class 3A Regionals: Dade City Pasco 48, Leesburg 39

1985 Class 3A Regionals: Ocala Forest 72, Leesburg 58

1986 Class 3A Regional Semifinals: Leesburg 80, Ocala Forest 67

1986 Class 3A Regional Finals: Ocala Vanguard 67, Leesburg 65

1996 Class 5A Regional Quarterfinals: Leesburg 43, Jacksonville Ed White 37

1996 Class 5A Regional Semifinals: Tallahassee Amos P. Godby 49, Leesburg 32

1998 Class 5A Regional Quarterfinals: Land O Lakes 66, Leesburg 64

1999 Class 5A Regional Quarterfinals: Leesburg 57, New Port Richey Ridgewood 37

1999 Class 5A Regional Semifinals: Leesburg 58, St. Cloud 41

1999 Class 5A Regional Finals: Ponte Verde Allen D. Nease 58, Leesburg 54

2002 Class 4A Regional Quarterfinals: Leesburg 72, New Port Richey James W. Mitchell 27
2002 Class 5A Regional Semifinals: Port Orange Atlantic 64, Leesburg 63

2003 Class 4A Regional Quarterfinals: Land O' Lakes 57, Leesburg 49

2006 Class 5A Regional Quarterfinals: Jacksonville Samuel W. Wolfson 71, Leesburg 54

2007 Class 5A Regional Quarterfinals: Leesburg 69, Jacksonville Bartram Trail 41
2007 Class 5A Regional Semifinals: Leesburg 61, Niceville 50
2007 Class 5A Regional Finals: Leesburg 74, Jacksonville Robert E. Lee
2007 Class 5A State Semifinals: Clearwater 69, Leesburg 61

2008 Class 5A Regional Quarterfinals: Leesburg 63 Jacksonville First Coast 46
2008 Class 5A Regional Semifinals: Leesburg 52, Jacksonville Robert E. Lee 48
2008 Class 5A Regional Finals: Leesburg 66, Fort Walton Beach 52
2008 Class 5A State Semifinals: Naples Barron Collier 73, Leesburg 65

2010 Class 4A Regional Quarterfinals: Leesburg 56, Kissimmee Poinciana 47
2010 Class 4A Regional Semifinals: Ocala Vanguard 71, Leesburg 66

2011 Class 5A Regional Quarterfinals: Leesburg 62, Harmony 45
2011 Class 5A Regional Semifinals: Leesburg 52, Gainesville Eastside 36
2011 Class 5A Regional Finals: Leesburg 61, Land O' Lakes 49
2011 Class 5A State Semifinals: Saint Petersburg Lakewood 48, Leesburg 31

Finals Record 1-4
Tourney Record 18-17

Resources

FHSAA

Championship Records

www.fhsaa.org

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.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

1950 Leesburg Girls Basketball Varsity Roster

1950 Girls Basketball Roster

Shirley Auskov
Mary Ayris
Margie Bass
Doris Broadway
Shirley Causey
Beth Chatman
Kay Clark
Doris Conley
Rita Dunnavant
Barbara Friersor
Pat Blenn
Nancy Griesbach
Rheda Haribison
Mary Alice Herlong
Pat Hunt
Helen Kessler
Joy Kight
Joan Lombardi
Helene Nobles
Ernestine Massey
Mary Mincy
Coach Miss Rogers

Resources

Gloria Ann Faus

Manager

Leesburg Heritage Society and Historical Museum

Jane A. Forrester

Volunteer

Leesburg Heritage Society and Historical Museum

Article written 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

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Jaleesa Blue Bio - FAMUAthletics.com - The Official Athletics Site of Florida A&M University

Former Lady Jackets Standout and Lady Rattler guard #1 Jaleesa Blue at Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida.

High School: Blue comes to the Lady Rattlers from Leesburg High School in Leesburg, Fla. she is expected to help the Lady Rattlers at the guard position, but with her size, she can play small forward as well. Her senior year, she earned all-state, top shot blocker, top rebounder, best defender honors and team MVP honors. She averaged 11.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, four steals, three assists and two blocks per game last season.

Former Lady Jackets Standout and Lady Rattler guard #1 Jaleesa Blue in the locker room before a game at Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Its Official: Ashley Lanier off to St. Petersburg College, April 12, 2011

FORMER LADY JACKET ASHLEY LANIER SIGNS WITH ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE ON APRIL 11, 2011

Former Leesburg standout Ashley Lanier signs with St. Petersburg College

By Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
April 11, 2011

Former Lady Jackets basketball standout Ashley Lanier has signed a letter of intent to play basketball at St. Petersburg College next season. The School is located in St. Petersburg, Florida and were Ranked #7 in State and the #2 Seed in the Southern Conference 2010-2011. Lanier will play under St. Peterburgs College head coach Denisha Davidson in 2011-2012. She signed with the school on April 11 at the Leesburg High School Auditorium in Leesburg, Florida.

I spoke with coach Davidson and she is very excited about signing Lanier and can't wait for Lanier to start her career as a Lady Titan.

“We are extremely excited to have Ashley Lanier join the SPC Lady Titan basketball family. Ashley will bring many positive qualities along with her determination to help continue to build this program. Her toughness and strength around the basket will definitely be a force to be reckon with. She does just a great job running the floor and posting up strong. Coach Oates, runs a great program and does a great job by molding and preparing his players for the next level. By signing Ashley we are just adding on to want Coach Oates started. Ashley has the opportunity to do and will do great both academically and athletically here at St Petersburg College and we are happy that she choose us for her next home away from home”

Denisha Davidson, 28, has been an assistant at Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga., for four years. She was a Graduate Assistant at Austin Peay State University for a year, where she earned her master’s degree in sports administration.

She was a two-time All-American at Division II Kennesaw State University, just north of Atlanta. Her three-year career averages at Kennesaw State were 20-points per game and 10 rebounds a game.

“I have played with a lot of different players and for a lot of different coaching styles,” she said. “I have had a lot of opportunities to see what I liked and what I didn’t like.”

SPC's Women's Basketball Coach
Denisha Davidson

Lanier's mother Tori Lanier was there by her side as she signed the letter of Intent in front family members, friends and members of the coaching staff. She is the second Lady Jacket to sign with a college this past season. Jaleesa Blue signed with Florida A&M University during the early signing period.

Jonathon Lanier bends over and hugs his sister Ashley Lanier sitting second from the right next to her mother Torrie Lanier and coach Mark Oates, right, after signing with St. Petersburg College at Leesburg High School on Monday, April 11, 2011.

Leesburg head coach Mark Oates feels that Lanier will have no problem to adjusting to the speed and intensity of the college game.

"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.

"We have bullseyes on our chests," said Oates "We are a state championship game for most of the teams we play. Our kids have to get used to that and respond to the pressure that goes with playing at Leesburg."

Lanier helped lead the Yellow Jackets to a 24-7 record this past season. Lanier was instrumental in Leesburg securing it's third Final Four appearance in five seasons and the programs fifth overall. She finished her high school career with 486 points (12th in school history) and 554 rebounds, good for fifth place on the school's all time rebounding list. She average 11.6 rebounds a game during the regional playoffs.

Lanier was placed on the Orlando Sentinel 2011 All Lake/Sumter Counties second team. She participated in the Lake vs Volusia All Star Game on March 11, 2011, the Lake squad won the game 90-40. Lanier had outstanding performance in a event featuring the best senior girls basketball players in Lake and Volusia County. Lanier also played in the Lake/Sumter versus Marion/Alachua All Star Game on March 31, 2011. The game was played at West Port High School in Ocala Florida.

Lanier had offers from the College of Central Florida and Florida State College of Jacksonville but decided to sign with St. Petersburg College.

Lanier has benifited from Oates academic standards placed on his players. His program prepares his players for college life starting as a freshman. In 2008 Oates team place in the top 10 in the state for G.P.A.s.

"We have mandatory study halls for all freshmen and all upperclassmen with GPA's below 3.5," said Oates. "We also tell our student/athletes that if they are gonna play for the Lady Jackets they have to go to college," said Oates. "This is done in their first freshmen meeting."

At the end of the day wins and losses pale in comparison when he asked to elaborate on how he feels when a young lady comes into his office as freshman wanting play basketball and leaves the program a woman going to college.

"I think it feels like a a proud father would feel," said Oates. "I don't have any birth children of my own but I imagine that's what it feels like."

The 5' 11" F/C Lanier was a starter for the Lady Jackets' in 2010-2011. She averaged 6.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. She had her most productive games rebounding in the regional playoffs with a 13 and 16 rebound games. She will take her rebounding and defensive skills to St. Petersburg, Florida school.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.

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Thursday, March 31, 2011

Leesburg's Jaleesa Blue headed to Ocala for FABC game, March 9, 2011

LEESBURG JALEESA BLUE SELECTED TO PLAY IN ALL-STAR GAME

10 area seniors headed to Ocala for FABC game

by Buddy Collings

Orlando Sentinel

March, 9 2011 10:05 PM

A corrected roster for Saturday’s Florida Association of Basketball Coaches All-Star doubleheader at Ocala Vanguard includes six area seniors in the boys game and four in the girls game.

The girls game, tipping off at 5 p.m., includes Olympia’s Monique Bunk, Timber Creek’s Jordan Mosley, South Sumter’s Latasha Kennerson and Leesburg’s Jaleesa Blue.

The boys roster includes Oviedo’s Hunter Koepsell, Seminole’s Leonard Richardson, Hagerty’s Deion Bernard, Kissimmee Osceola’s Jedarion Jackson and Montverde Academy teammates Steve Missi and Jason Pimentel playing on opposite sides.

RESOURCES
Buddy Collings

Orlando Sentinel

March, 9 2011 10:05 PM

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lady Jackets Ashley Lanier commits to St. Petersburg College


Lady Jackets Ashley Lanier commits to St. Petersburg College

Ashley Lanier is the Fifth leading rebounder in Leesburg High School History

By Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
March 31, 2011

Leesburg girls standout Ashley Lanier has committed to play basketball at St. Petersburg College next season. The School is located in St. Petersburg, Florida and were Ranked #7 in State #2 Seed in the Southern Conference 2010-2011. She is expected to sign with the school on April 11 at Leesburg High School.

Lanier also had offers from the College of Central Florida and Florida State College of Jacksonville but decided to commit to St. Petersburg College. Lanier help lead the Lady Jackets to their 5th Final Four in the programs storied history. Lanier will be playing in the Lake/Sumter versus Marion/Alachua All Star Game on March 31, 2011. This game will be played at West Port High School in Ocala Florida at 7:00 P.M.

Lanier help lead Lake squad to a 90-40 Victory over the Volusia squad in the Lake vs. Volusia All Star Game on March 11, 2011. The game was played at Lyman High School in Longwood, Florida. Lanier performed very well at this event that is for senior girls basketball players.

The 5' 11" F/C Lanier was a starter for the Lady Jackets' in 2011-2012. She averaged 6.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. She had her most productive games rebounding in the regional playoffs with a 13 and 16 rebound games. She will take her rebounding and defensive skills to St. Petersburg, Florida school, Lanier closed out her high-school career with 486 points, good for 12th on the school's all-time list. She also grabbed 554 rebounds in a Leesburg uniform, which is fifth best in school history.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

100% of Mark Oates players graduate and go to college, February 22, 2011

Leesburg's Jaleesa Blue (seated) along with (left to right) Ethel Blue, Demond Blue, Melva Blue (mother), Leesburg coach Mark Oates, Sandi Rackley and Leesburg assistant coach Heather Connelly

Leesburg Head Coach Mark Oates has just earned his 3rd State Final Four appearance with his Lady Jackets, but that not the number he is the most proud of. In order for a young lady compete in Oates program they are not only required to graduate from high school but to enter into college after graduation.

Oates has produced a 100% graduation rate and every one of his players have gone on to college. I asked coach Oates about some of the details of the programs that he has instituted in order to produce such staggering numbers.

WANETA CARLISLE AND LATOYA FOSTER SIGN WITH AUGUSTA STATE AND BREVARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN 2009.

"We have mandatory study halls for all freshmen and all upperclassmen with GPA's below 3.5," said Oates. "We also tell our student/athletes that if they are gonna play for the Lady Jackets they have to go to college," said Oates. "This is done in their first freshmen meeting."

LaToya Foster at Brevard Community College

Oates runs a squeaky program his record is impeccable and speaks for itself. Oates puts in 14 hour days in on non game days and up 20 hours on game days. He is a tireless worker and loves the kids and the Leesburg community. He never seems to stop teaching his players about life principles and how to be a success after basketball. He understands the tradition and the history of Leesburg Basketball and does a good job of instilling that pride among his kids. I asked him to give me details on what a typical day is like running the Lady Jackets basketball program.

Former Lady Jackets Standout Danielle Harris at Missouri Southern State University

"During the season on a regular practice day I leave home at 6:45 a.m. and usually get home around 8 p.m.," said Oates. "On a game day I leave at same time and depending on where the game is played I might get home around midnight, grade film and do stats until around 2:30 a.m. and then back at it again."

Former Lady Jackets Standout Shericka Ward at Villanova University

Oates certainly has set the standard for girls high school basketball in Lake County. His program is modeled by many in the state of Florida. At the end of the day wins and losses pale in comparison when he asked to elaborate on how he feels when a young lady comes into his office as freshman wanting play basketball and leaves the program a woman going to college.

"I think it feels like a a proud father would feel," said Oates. "I don't have any birth children of my own but I imagine that's what it feels like."

Lady Jackets All Time Scoring Leader Pearl Johnson at Chipola Community Colleges

Mark Oates Players In College

Jordan McDonough Class of 2004-Florida State University

Danielle Harris Class of 2004-Missouri Southern State University (Basketball)
Shyvette Wilmot-Class of 2005 Bethune-Cookman University

Ashley Taylor Class of 2005 Bethune-Cookman University (Softball)
Sharece Taft Class of 2006-Dodge City Community College (Basketball)
Brianna Gaston Class of 2006-Florida A&M University

Samantha Games Class of 2006-Lake-Sumter Community College

Amber Bradley Class of 2007-Warner Southern (Basketball)
A'shyia Haugabrook Class of 2007-Bluefield State (Basketball)
Pearl Johnson Class of 2008-Chipola College (Basketball)
Angie Felton Class of 2008 (Gulf Coast Community College) National Champions 2010 Louisiana Tech University Present

Shericka Ward Class of 2008-Villanova (Track)
Tenia Manuel Class of 2008-Troy University (Basketball)

Keyoshia Wright Class of 2008-Bluefield State (Basketball)
Tanera Gaston Class of 2008-Florida A&M University
Jazmine Slyke Class of 2008-Florida A&M University
Brittany Holman Class of 2008-Florida A&M University
April Hall Class of 2008-Lake Sumter Community College

Latoya Foster Class of 2009-Brevard Community College

Waneta Carlisle Class of 2009-Augusta State (Basketball)

Tiffany Cosgrove Class of2009-Everest College

Alonti Richardson Class of 2010-Bethune-Cookman University

Sherita Carter Class of 2010 Fireman School
Khayla Cardinales Class of 2010- Lake-Sumter Community College
Alexa Dejarlais Class of 2010 Lake-Sumter Community College
Jaleesa Blue Class of 2011-Signed with Florida A&M University
Ashley Lanier Class of 2011-Has offers but has not made a decision

Resources
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club
February 22, 2011

Article provided by:
www.leesburgladyjacketsbasketball.com

About the Author

Monday, February 21, 2011

Leesburg star Taft makes list for McDonald's game

Senior is one of 1,000 players nominated

Senior recognized as one of the nation's best in girls basketball

January 24, 2006|By Joe Williams, Sentinel Staff Writer

LEESBURG -- Leesburg senior Sharece Taft was recognized Monday among the best senior high-school girls basketball players in the country when she was notified she had been nominated for the 2006 McDonald's All-American Girls High School Basketball team.

Taft, a 6-foot senior, is one of 1,000 players nationwide to be picked for the honor. Out of those players, a group of 24 players will be selected in late February to play in the McDonald's All-American All-Star Game at San Diego State University on March 29. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN2.

"I was excited," Taft said about receiving the recognition. "It is a total surprise."

Leesburg Coach Mark Oates said it is a well-deserved honor for a player who has dedicated herself to the Yellow Jackets' program. She is the second Leesburg player to be selected in the past two years, joining former teammate Danielle Harris, who was nominated in 2004.

"Reesey has basically set an example for our players as far as what hard work is, how to practice, how to play in games," Oates said. "I guess, in a way, she has given the program a face and the other girls look up to her."

Though the nomination for the All-American team is a nice highlight for Taft to have to her senior season, the year did not start out the way she would have liked. Leesburg, which has an 18-5 overall record, had to play most of the first half of the season with its star center/forward on the sidelines.

She missed the time with a torn meniscus in her right knee that occurred during the summer and underwent surgery to repair the ligament on Sept. 15.

While out, Taft tried to keep herself in shape by continually working out in the weight room. Despite the effort, when she was given clearance to begin playing again, Taft quickly found out she was not in shape.

"I had to do a lot of running," Taft said. "I had to get back in shape."

Now, 14 games into her return, Taft feels like her game is coming back.

"It's going pretty good now. My knee is doing pretty good," Taft said.

Oates said Taft would receive a special honor at the school.

While introducing his players during Senior Night last Friday, Oates said a special banner will be placed in the new Leesburg High School gymnasium, honoring Taft for all of her accomplishments and her career statistics that currently stand at 1,167 points, 775 rebounds and 272 steals.

"To go into her senior year with so many expectations and to be injured was very disappointing for her, I'm sure," Oates said. "But she did what she could. She came to practice all the time and never skipped a beat.

"Having her back has meant a lot to the team. I think it has helped relax the team. The team's confidence level has increased."

Resources
January 24, 2006

Joe Williams

Sentinel Staff Writer

Orlando Sentinel

Article provided by:

www.leesburgladyjacketsbasketball.com

Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

February 19, 2011

About the Author

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Lake and Sumter schools focus on girls state basketball tournaments


SOPHOMORE SENSATION ASHLEY PERRY LEAD ALL LADY JACKETS SCORERS AVERAGING 13.7 A GAME

Liberty Christian already is there, Leesburg and South Sumter can earn state berths Saturday

By Joe Williams, Orlando Sentinel

February 17, 2011

Leesburg and Bushnell South Sumter each are one win away from making return trips to next week's FHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament at the Lakeland Civic Center.

Class 4A Leesburg (22-6) will be looking to return to state for the first time since 2008 and 3A South Sumter (27-1) is looking to head back for the first time since 2001.

Both teams will have to win on the road.

Leesburg, No. 10 in the Sentinel's Super 16, will have to beat Land O' Lakes (23-2) and South Sumter, No. 15 in the Super 16, will have to get past Port Orange Atlantic (20-7), No. 11 in the Super 16. Both region final games begin at 7 p.m.

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"I think we are finally playing within ourselves," Leesburg coach Mark Oates said. "We are doing a better job of doing the things that we have to do to win. I thought last night [a 52-36 victory over Gainesville Eastside in the region semifinal] may have been our best defensive effort of the season and we did a much better job of rebounding "

Meanwhile, Tavares Liberty Christian already advanced to the Florida Christian School Conference state tournament in Clearwater with a 38-32 victory Tuesday night over Land O' Lakes Christian.

The Eagles (19-3), making their second FCSC state appearance in the past three years, met Sarasota Christian (21-0) in Thursday night's semifinal game. They went into the game knowing that a victory would put them in the state championship game for the first time . The state final will be played at 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon in Clearwater.

"This group was all eighth- and ninth-graders when I took over the team five years ago," Liberty coach Dave Norris said. "We only have four seniors on this team and the bench consists of sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders. But this is the most coachable group of players I have ever had."

Norris, who is retiring after this season, has watched the program rebound. A year before he became the head coach, the team was 0-20. His first year it went 4-18. But in the past four years it has compiled a 82-16 record.

Three seniors have formed the nucleus of the team over Norris' years.

The Eagles are led by 5-7 senior center Kimberly Vilchez, averaging 22 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists a game. She also is connecting on 59 percent of her shots from beyond the 3-point arc. Senior point guard Krista Cunningham, averages 8 points and 9 assists a game and senior power forward Keri-Anne Bowden averages 12 rebounds a game.

South Sumter rode the steady play of Latasha Kennerson and Katura Harrison to a 60-46 victory over Newberry in its region semifinal Tuesday. Kennerson had 31 points, 12 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists in the victory. Harrison added a double-double herself with 10 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocked shots.

Leesburg players Ashley Perry and Jaleesa Blue also put up big numbers for the Yellow Jackets in their region semifinal. Perry had 18 points, 7 rebounds and Blue, who has signed with FAMU, had 12 points and 17 rebounds.

"I think the difference is that Jaleesa has really stepped up the second half of the season," Oates said. "She has been a demon on the glass. I still don't think we have seen her best offensive effort, yet. Ashley Lanier [16 rebounds] also has been doing a good job rebounding for us.

"You want to be playing your best basketball at this time of the season and I think we are."

jrwilliams@tribune.com or 352-742-5921. Read Joe Williams' blog at OrlandoSentinel.com/varsityblog. Sign up for the Varsity sports newsletter at OrlandoSentinel.com/joinus.

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