Lady Jackets invited to Queen of the Palms Classic, August 18, 2011

Leesburg head coach Mark Oates and his Leesburg Lady Yellow Jackets have been invited to play in the Queen of the Palms Classic Girls Basketball Tournament August 18, 2011

LEESBURG -  When Lady Jackets Head Coach Mark Oates took over the Leesburg girls basketball program in 2003 he had visions of a hoops dynasty at Leesburg. As a youngster growing up in North Carolina, Oates was a fan of the University of North Carolina and of its coach, Dean Smith. His approach to the game is similar to the one Smith used to build a dynasty with the Tar Heels. 

"My preferred style of play is the same style Dean Smith used," Oates said. "In our system, we don't run a whole lot of set plays on offense. Scoring opportunities come if you are willing to play defense. It is not hard for kids to buy into the philosophy of having to play defense because they can score points."

Leesburg two leading scorers in 2011 Baylie Bridges left and Ashley Perry right


 

He has accomplished that in his eight seasons at Leesburg leading the Lady Jackets to 3 State Final Four appearances in 5 years. His Lady Jackets are favored to return to Final Four for 6th time in programs storied history in 2012. Oates squad is loaded once again and he returns his top two scorers PG Baylie Bridges and SF Ashley Perry.

The rewards for building such program are recogition on a national level. The type of program that Oates has built has led his Lady Jackets to being invited to some of the most prestegious tournaments in the nation.

Joharra Russell will be asked to play a bigger role in the Lady Jackets offense with the departures of  last years top two rebounders Jaleesa Blue Florida A&M signee and Ashley Lanier Saint Petersburg College signee.

Oates Lady Jackets have been invited to the 64 team Queen of the Palms Classic, set for Dec. 28-30 in Fort Myers, Florida.  The 64-team field has seven Central Florida girls basketball teams Timber Creek, Evans, Leesburg, Orlando University, Olympia, Lake Mary and Boone. The teams are divided into eight eight-team divisions. Last year, Olympia (platinum) and Timber Creek (gold) won their respective divisions.

The 64-team tournament will feature potentially four teams ranked nationally and a number of players who are slated to play at the Division I level in college.


The complete brackets and schedule for the classic have yet to be announced. 


Here is a short list of some of the teams that will participating:
Haines City, Port Charlotte, Sarasota Riverview, Sebastian River, St. Petersburg, Orlando Timber Creek, Viera, Gainesville Buchholz, Fort Myers Dunbar, Tallahassee Florida High, Fort Pierce Central, Naples Gulf Coast, Sarasota, Riviera Beach Suncoast, Ocala West Port, Golden Gate, Jacksonville-Bolles, Hialeah, Lehigh, Palm Beach Central, 
Palm Harbor-UniversitySeffner Christian, Leto-Steinbrenner, Palmetto Ridge, Orlando-Boone, Cape Coral, Lake Mary, Tallhassee-Lincoln, Riverview-Spoto, Vero Beach

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.

Gerald Lacey One On One With Jaleesa Blue, August 17, 2011

Former Leesburg Lady Jackets Standout Jaleesa Blue will continue her very successful basketball career in Tallahassee at Florida A&M University this fall.

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

August 17, 2011

 

Leesburg - Jaleesa Blue is a 6'0" combo player from Leesburg, Florida.  She averaged 11.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocked shots per game as a senior at Leesburg High School.  She was ranked the No.1 power forward in the state of Florida in 2011.  She holds the record for most rebounds and blocked shots in Leesburg High School girls basketball history.

Here is a short list of Jaleesa Blue's accomplishments

2011 Florida A&M University Signee

2011 FHSAA Girls Basketball State Semifinalist

2011 Lake County Player of the Year

Orlando Sentinel Player of the Week

2011 Team MVP

2011 Top 25 in Central Florida Girls Basketball

Top Shot Blocker in School History Girls Basketball

2011 Defensive & Offensive Rebounder Award for Leesburg Girls Basketball

2011 Orlando Sentinel All Central Florida Girls Basketball Team

2011 FACA All-State Girls Basketball Team

2010 Top 20 Junior in Central Florida

Here is an exclusive interview with 

Florida A&M University Signee Jaleesa Blue

Carver Heights Quarterback Club Presents:

Gerald Lacey One On One With Florida A&M University's Jaleesa Blue

Gerald Lacey:

Good Morning Jaleesa How are you?

Jaleesa Blue:

Good morning Mr. Lacey I am doing fine.

Gerald Lacey:

When will you be leaving for school Jaleesa?

Jaleesa Blue:

August 21, 2011

Jaleesa Blue will play her home games at the Al Lawson Jr. Multi Purpose Center on the campus of Florida A&M University. The Florida A&M University Rattlers have the best Division I basketball arena in the South with the 10,000 seat Al Lawson Center, opened in late 2009.

Gerald Lacey:

What kind of conditioning have you been doing during the offseason in preparing for your first year playing college basketball?

Jaleesa Blue:

I have been working out with my high school coach Mark Oates. He has been having me do drill work, shooting, running, and etc. and I also have been working out with my cousins Garnel and Sandy Rackley they have been having me lift weights so I can strengthen my arms and legs.

Gerald Lacey:

What position will you play at Florida A&M?

Jaleesa Blue:

I will be playing the guard/forward position

Former Lady Jacket Jaleesa Blue will continue her education at Florida A&M University one of the oldest and largest HBCU's in the nation.

Gerald Lacey:

Who insprired you the most?

Jaleesa Blue:

My mother (Melva Blue) inspired me the most because to see her raise me on her own and work hard to take care of me makes me want to go out and work hard to accomplish my goals so I can be something in life to take care of her.

Gerald Lacey:

What will you major in at Florida A&M?

Jaleesa Blue:

I will be majoring out of sports management or physical therapy but most likely physical therapy.

Jaleesa Blue with her mom Melva Blue before Prom 2011

Gerald Lacey:

Are you excited about having the opportunity to play basketball in college?

Jaleesa Blue:

Yes im very excited to have the opportunity to play college basketball because a lot of people don’t have a chance to play college ball so its like a dream come true and to play for FAMU im very excited. So FAMU better get ready for me cause Jaleesa Blue is going to strike, strike, and strike again!!! LOL! 

Gerald Lacey:

How helpful was Coach Mark Oates and his staff in helping you get a scholarship?

Jaleesa Blue:

Coach Oates and the coaching staff have been very helpful and not only my high school coaches have been helpful but also my AAU coaches in getting me exposed to college coaches.

Jaleesa dribbles the ball towards the basket in 2011 FHSAA Class 4A Girls Basketball Semifinals vs Saint Petersburg Lakewood

Gerald Lacey:

How did you feel about playing for Coach Oates?

Jaleesa Blue:

I feel like playing for coach Oates is an honor because there is not a lot of coaches that will do what he do to help his players and not only does he coaches but he give life lessons through his coaching and is a father figure to a lot of us players that played for him.

Gerald Lacey:

Did his program prepare you for the college level?

Jaleesa Blue:

Yes I feel like his program is going to prepare me for college because he coaches and practice us like we in college so I feel like its going to prepare me.

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

Gerald Lacey:

What are your goals for your first year at FAMU?

Jaleesa Blue:

My goals as a first year freshman is to come in and work hard and have a quick impact on the team to help us win, also to start as a freshman, and to help my team win a MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Championship!!!

Gerald Lacey:

Will you play right away or will you redshirt?

Jaleesa Blue:

Yes hopefully I will play right away. I don’t know about the redshirt I haven’t talk to my coach about that.

Gerald Lacey:

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Jaleesa Blue:

The accomplishment im most proud of is getting my high school diploma Lord knows I been through a lot to get that.

Gerald Lacey:

What role did your parents play in your school selection?

Jaleesa Blue:

My family played a big role with my selection to go to Florida A&M and I want to say thank you for helping me and I really appreciate everything you all have done for  me(you all know who you are) thank you.

Jaleesa Blue battling for a rebound in the FHSAA Class 4A Girls State Basketball Semifinal game against Saint Petersburg Lakewood High

Gerald Lacey:

What steps do you planning on taking in order to make a smooth transition from high school to college?

Jaleesa Blue:

The steps I plan on taking is to continue to workout with coach Oates and my peeps, and follow the workout plan that FAMU gave me.

Gerald Lacey:

Good luck with your future at Florida A&M University my youngest child De'Breah will be a sophomore there this fall. I look forward to seeing you play over the next four years. Remember GO HARD!!!!!


Jaleesa Blue:
Thank You Mr. Lacey


Resources
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
geraldlacey@leesburgyellowjacketsfootball.com
www.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.

LADY JACKETS BASKETBALL LETTERMEN 2004-2011, April 28, 2011

  LADY JACKETS BASKETBALL LETTERMEN 2004-2011

By Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
April 28, 2011
www.leesburgladyjacketsbasketball.com



LEESBURG - I recently interviewed Leesburg Lady Jackets Head Basketball Coach Mark Oates and we discussed the pageantry and tradition of the Lady Jacket Basketball program. Oates has built a dynasty at Leesburg a 30-year state tournament drought ended when Oates took Leesburg to the state semifinal in 2007. Leesburg returned to state in '08 and was back there in '11 for the third time in five years. In 2008 his team finished in the top 10 in the state for G.P.A. His program has sent every player to college either on basketball or academic scholarship.

"I attribute most of the success that I have had to having some young ladies who can play the game," Oates said. "I just try to get the kids to believe in themselves. I just try to stress to them not to let anybody outwork us. The kids work hard and they want to be successful."

He has been a father figure to a many young ladies in his eight year tenure at Leesburg High School. Oates has never had a losing season while coaching at Leesburg. His overall record at Leesburg is 173-53. He has teams have won a average of 21 games per year at during his time as head coach at Leesburg. Oates is a part the FABC ABC COURT OF LEGENDS COACHES 150 WIN CLUB. He should reach the 300 win club by the 2012-2013 season.

Oates basketball program has a 100% graduation rate in his 8 years at Lady Jacket Head Coach. He is the most successful girls basketball coach in Leesburg High School History. Below is a list of Letter winners during Coach Mark Oates tenure at Leesburg:

BRYNIQUE AIKEN- 2011
DARRELL BLANTON (MANAGER) 2004-2005
JALEESA BLUE- 2009-2011
AMBER BRADLEY- 2004, 2005, 2007

TAYLOR BRADLEY- 2008
BAYLIE BRIDGES- 2009-2011
ASHLEY BROWN- 2004
SHAUNDREA CALDWELL- 2011
KHAYLA CARDINALES- 2009-2010
WANETA CARLISLE- 2006-2009
SHUMANEKA CARROLL- 2009
COCO CARTER- 2009-2011
SHERITA CARTER- 2007, 2010
KENDALL CAUDILL- 2011
TIFFANY COSGROVE- 2008-2009
RONSHEIKA CUYLER- 2004
ALEXA DEJARLAIS- 2007-2010
ANGELA FELTON- 2005-2008
SHAYANNA FLORES (MANAGER) 2011
LATOYA FOSTER- 2006-2009
SAMANTHA GAMES- 2005
BRIANNA GASTON- 2003-2006
TANERA GASTON- 2005-2008
NADIA GOODEN- 2009
APRIL HALL- 2007-2008
ATAVIA HARRIS (MANAGER) 2006
DANIELLE HARRIS- 2001-2004
A’SHYIA HAUGABROOK- 2004-2007
AUTUMN HESS (VIDEOGRAPHER) 2011
JAMILYA HODGE- 2011
BRITTANY HOLMAN- 2007-2008
JAKIA JOHNSON- 2009-2010
PATRICE JOHNSON- 2008
PEARL JOHNSON- 2005-2008
TANEISHIA JOHNSON- 2011
KORTNEY JONES (VIDEOGRAPHER) 2008-2010
SHAVOYA JONES- 2011
TOYORI JONES- (MANAGER/STATS) 2007-2010
ZERLEENE KELLUM (MANAGER) 2011
ASHLEY LANIER- 2009-2011
HALEY MACKEY- 2004-2005
TENIA MANUEL- 2005-2008
TERRANCE MANUEL (VIDEOGRAPHER) 2006-2007
JORDAN MCDONOUGH- 2003-2004
JUANITA MORROW- 2004-2005
ASHLEY PERRY- 2010-2011
LARRY RENFROE (MANAGER) 2009
ALONTI RICHARDSON- 2009-2010
JOHARRA RUSSELL- 2010-2011
TEMETRIA SIMMONS- 2011
JAZMINE SLYKE- 2006-2008
REBECCA SULLIVAN- 2006
SHARECE TAFT-2003-2006
ASHLEY TAYLOR- 2004-2005
CANDACE TUCKER- 2003-2005
ANTWAN VASSIL- (MANAGER) 2004-2006
SHERICKA WARD- 2007-2008
SHYVETTE WILMOT- 2004-2005
KEYOSHIA WRIGHT- 2005-2008


HEAD COACH: MARK Q. OATES 2004-2011
ASST COACHES: D.J. KEITH  2004
                                 DANIEL DIXON-  2005-2006
                                 LINDSAY PRATHER- 2006-2007
                                 DANNY WATSON- 2006
                                 HEATHER CONNELLY-  2007-2011
                                 ARIEN FAUCETT- 2008-2009
                                 LUKE FREEZE – 2010-2011
                                 LATISHA BROWN- 2011





  















Resources
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club


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

About the Author

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.

Lady Jackets' Ashley Lanier makes official visit to Florida State College of Jacksonville, March 17, 2011

Leesburg High School's Jaleesa Blue (1) , left, watches as center Ashley Lanier (44) fights for the ball with Lakewood High's Schineice Beamon (1) in the fourth quarter of their Florida State High School Athletic Association basketball semifinals game Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, at The Lakeland Center. Lakewood beat Leesburg 48-31.

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

March 17, 2011

Leesburg - Lady Jackets senior Ashley Lanier made a official recruiting visit to St. Petersburg College on March 16, 2011 and was offered a full scholarship. She remains unsigned and will make a visit to Florida State College of Jacksonville today. The College of Central Florida is also in the hunt for the 5' 11" F/C rebounding and defensive skills. 

Lanier will make a decision by signing day April 8, 2011.

Resources
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
March 17, 2011

Article provided by:
www.leesburgladyjacketsbasketball.com

About the Author

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.

Lady Jackets Lanier and Caldwell selected to play in All Star Game, March 17, 2011

F/C Ashley Lanier

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

March 16, 2011

Ashley Lanier and Shaundrea Caldwell will be playing in the Lake/Sumter vs Marion/Alachua All Star game on March 31st. This game will be played at West Port High School at 7:00 P.M.

C/PF Shaundrea Caldwell

The pair recently played in the Lake vs Volusia All Star Game at Lyman Longwood High School.

Resources
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
March 17, 2011

Article provided by:
www.leesburgladyjacketsbasketball.com

About the Author

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.

Jaleesa Blue shines in F.A.B.C. All-Star Game, March 15, 2011

By Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

March 16, 2011

Ocala - Leesburg High School Senior Jaleesa Blue participated in FABC 2011 Senior Allstar Game this past weekend. She had the opportunity to compete against the best in the state and represented the Lady Jackets program very well.

She played on the Navy team which was led by Boca Ciega's Tamara Taylor (University of South Florida signee) 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Navy team to an 89-84 victory over the White team. 

Resources

Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club
February 22, 2011

Article provided by:
www.leesburgladyjacketsbasketball.com

About the Author

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.

 

Three Lady Jackets participate in Lake vs Volusia All Star Game, March 11, 2011

F/C Ashley Lanier makes a shot attempt in 2011 Class 4A State Semifinal vs. St. Pete Lakewood

By Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club
March 17, 2011

Longwood - Leesburg Lady Jackets seniors Jaleesa Blue (Florida A&M University signee), Ashley Lanier and Shaundrea Caldwell participated in the Lake vs Volusia All Star Game on March 11, 2011, the Lake squad won the game 90-40.

All three players had outstanding performances in a event featuring the best senior girls basketball players in Lake and Volusia County. 

F/C Ashley Lanier 5'11 looked impressive in front of scouts representing St. Petersburg College, The College of Central Florida, Florida State College of Jacksonville.

Resources
Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club
March 17, 2011

Article provided by:
www.leesburgladyjacketsbasketball.com

About the Author

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.
 

LEESBURG, 42-38 CLASS AAA GIRLS STATE SEMIFINAL, MARCH 1977

ROCKLEDGE GIRLS FEEL JACKETS' DEFENSIVE FURY

By Mel Barlow

Sports Editor

Daily Commercial

March 1977

WINTER PARK -  Leesburg's chances of two state champions took a giant step forward Thursday night when the Girl Jackets defeated Rockledge in the AAA semi-finals at Winter Park High, 42-38.

Coach Bill Taylor's kids displayed an outstanding defensive game, holding the normally high scoring Raiders to only 15 first half points.

"Defense was the big key," said Taylor. "They played tough all the way and  I think they are beginning to believe they can win the state title. Their confidence increased a lot tonight since they were playing a team that beat them in last year's playoff."

Leesburg High School Women's Louise Longer Length Tank

Sandra Seward paced the Jacket offensive attack with 18 points, and along with Tammy Freitag controlled the boards throughout the contest.

"I knew I could do it," said a happy Seward."

"But I got a little worried when we only had a four point lead in  the fourth quarter. The biggest thrill for me was when I made a basket late, got fouled and scored the foul shot."

Taylor had nothing but praise for the senior. "Sandra has come a long way since the beginning of the season. She didn't play any last year but dedicated herself when she tried out for the team, I don't know where we'd be without her"

The Jackets roared to a 18-10 first half advantage on Freitag and Seward's work under the basket and the deliberate brand of play when Leesburg had the ball. Taylor instructed his squad to go into a four corner set up late in the second period and Rockledge was completely caught off guard.

Leesburg High School Embroidered Unisex Back to Basic Pants

"I don't think they were expecting us to slow things down at that point," Taylor said. "We had the lead and I wanted to use as much of the clock as we could." Kelly McLeod, the Jackets' fine point guard, fouled out midway of the final period. With Annette Miller now in the lineup, the Raiders went into a full court press. But with Miller's superb ball handling and the help from Tammy Freitag and Linda Miller, Leesburg was able to hold the lead the rest of the way even though Rockledge did come up with a couple of key turnovers.

"I thought the girls showed a lot of poise when they started to press," Taylor said. "We could have easily turned the ball over more with Kelly out of the lineup."

The Raiders were down by 13 at the end of the third stanza. But coach Virgil Terry's squad wouldn't roll over and play dead.

The tempo of the contest picked up drastically down the stretch even though the Jackets tried to slow things down again, going into the four corner offense for a brief period.

With less than two minutes remaining, the Raiders narrowed the Leesburg lead to only three points. But Seward's key basket and foul shot along with Tammy Freitag's two-pointer and Bonnie Miller free throw kept the Yellow Jackets in front.

Cheryl Carter paced the losers with 10 points.

Leesburg will face the winner of tonight's Hallandale-Gulf Breeze contest. That takes place Saturday night at 7.

"We made an effort to have the game switched to an earlier starting time," said LHS principal Buford Robinson. "But it was simply too late"

Score by quarters

Leesburg 7-11-10-14--42

Rockledge 4-6-5-23--38

Leesburg - McLeod 1-0-2; B. Miller 3-1-7; Seward 8-2-18; Freitag 3-2-8; L. Miller 2-3-7; Totals: 17-8-42

Rockledge - Armstrong 4-0-8; Carter 5-0-10; Larista 0-1-1; Lipsey 4-0-8; Lee 4-1-9; Bartusek 1-0-2; Totals 18-2--38

Fouls: Leesburg 13; Rockledge 16

Fouled out; McLeod, Leesburg

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.

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

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.

 

 

Lady Jags miss shot to escape last place | The Augusta Chronicle

Former Leesburg High Standout Waneta Carlisle (right) takes a hand to the face from Lady Jaguars' teammate Brooke McCants going for a rebound.

Former Leesburg High Standout Waneta Carlisle posted her second double-double of the season, pacing the Lady Jaguars with 17 points and 16 rebounds. For more click below

Lady Jags miss shot to escape last place | The Augusta Chronicle

Article provided by:

Gerald Lacey

Staff Writer

Carver Heights Quarterback Club

www.leesburgyellowjacketsbasketball.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.