Thursday, January 26, 2012

9th annual MAIT set to begin in Montverde, January 25, 2012

By Jeff Radcliffe, BHSN
Last Updated: Wednesday, January 25, 2012

MONTVERDE -- On January 26-28, 2012, the Montverde Academy annual MAIT (Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament) is scheduled to take place at the Roberts Gymnasium on the campus of Montverde Academy. This electrifying high-school basketball tournament is in its 9th year of showcasing both regional and nationally ranked competition from throughout the country.

This year's tournament features MVA Head Coach Kevin Boyle who has led our MVA Eagles to a current top 20 position in the ESPN Fab 50 National High-School Basketball Ranking (No. 1 in ESPN's Florida poll) and a top 10 ranking in a recent USA Today High School poll. Before coaching at Montverde Academy, Boyle led national power St. Patrick Celtics of Elizabeth, New Jersey, for 23 years.

Seven other teams will be vying to win the prodigious MAIT Championship Trophy including regional powers Orlando Christian Prep, Leesburg HS, Monsignor Edward Pace HS (Miami Gardens, FL) and nationally revered teams Roman Catholic HS (Philadelphia, PA), Shiloh High School (Snellville, GA), Mount Vernon HS (Mount Vernon, NY) and Imhotep Charter School (Philadelphia, PA).

Game times are slated for 3:00pm, 4:40 pm, 6:20pm and 8:00 pm on Thursday and Friday. Championship Saturday will run with games at 2:30pm, 4:10pm, 5:50pm, and 7:30pm.

Live online coverage can be seen at www.montverde.tv

Bracket:
http://www.montverde.net/attachments/article/600/Bracket%202012%20Thursday%20NEW%2009-41-53.pdf

Resources
Jeff Radcliffe
BHSN
www.bhsn.com
January 25, 2012

Leesburg Public Library

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Gerald Lacey
Staff Writer
Carver Heights Quarterback Club
1986 Varsity Jackets Football Lettermen #82
Class of 1988 Leesburg High School
leesburgyellowjacketsfootball@yahoo.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.

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Leesburg To Play In Montverde Invitational Today, January 26, 2012

Montverde Academy Invitational details

The Montverde Academy Invitational, an 8-team tournament, also will feature Leesburg and Orlando Christian Prep.

What: Montverde Academy Invitational, an eight-team boys basketball tournament

When: Thursday-Saturday

Where: Montverde Academy (17235 7th Street, Montverde)

Schedule: Thursday — Snellville, Ga., Shiloh vs. Orlando Christian Prep, 3 p.m.; Mount Vernon, N.Y., vs. Leesburg, 4:40; Philadelphia Roman Catholic vs. Philadelphia Imhotep Charter School, 6:20; Montverde vs. Miami Monsignor Pace, 8.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/highschool/basketball/os-hs-montverde-invitational-box-20120125,0,834484.story

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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Marcel Thomas Postgame Quotes Eustis Vs. Leesburg, January 20, 2012

Eustis vs. Leesburg at "The Hive" on the campus of Leesburg High School January 20, 2012

"This place was electric and I think our kids fed off the energy a little better than Eustis did."

"Because of our schedule and our run to the state championship last year, we've grown used to playing in front of crowds like this and we know how to use that energy. Eustis is a talented, but younger team, and I think they're learning how to feed off the crowd."

"It was a fantastic night for high-school basketball in Lake County and we managed to hit more big shots than Eustis did."

2011 Class 4A Boys Basketball Championship Photo located inside "The Hive" on the campus of Leesburg High School.

"This was exactly what I thought it would be as far as intensity."

"If Eustis was in our district, they would be one of the top teams. Eustis is a very good, young, team. I think we are definitely where we want to be right now."

"Our Kids have always been able to get each other going."

Eustis vs Leesburg January 20, 2012

"If one guy starts knocking down jumpers, that seems to get the others started. Tonight, when Joe and Undra hit a couple of 3 pointers, it really seemed to light a fire under everyone else."

"A lot of the time, we just need someone to step up and hit a shot when we're struggling and it provides the spark for everyone else."

Resources

Marcel Thomas

Head Coach Boys Basketball

Leesburg High School

Frank Jolley

Sports Editor

Daily Commercial

frankjolley@dailycommercial.com

www.dailycommercial.com

January 21, 2012

Sports Section

Orlando Sentinel

www.orlandosentinel.com

January 21, 2012

Leesburg Public Library

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Saturday, January 21, 2012

Leesburg uses its shooting from the 3-point line to take a 70-57 victory from Eustis, January 21, 2012

By Joe Williams Orlando Sentinel

LEESBURG -- No district title was on the line Friday night when Eustis traveled to Leesburg for a boys basketball game.

But pride was when the two Lake County rivals, both ranked in the Sentinel's Super 16, met in front of a sell-out crowd of 1,400 fans.

What those fans saw was a Leesburg team that hit a bunch of 3s early and a Eustis team that struggled from the free throw line and lost point guard Jabari Dunham with an injury for much of the game as Leesburg pulled away for a 70-57 victory.

"This was exactly what I thought it would be as far as intensity," Leesburg coach Marcel Thomas said. "If Eustis was in our district, they would be one of the top teams. Eustis is a very good, young, team. I think we are definitely where we want to be right now."

Leesburg (13-5), ranked No. 12 in the Super 16 and last year's Class 4A state champion, placed five players in double figures. Eustis, (19-2), the No. 10 ranked team, lost for the second time in three games this week but also had four players score in double figures. It took a while for Leesburg to get acclimated to the intensity.

The Yellow Jackets, now a Class 6A school after FHSAA reclassification, struggled in the opening minutes, turning over the ball on each of their first three possessions. But later in the first quarter, while trailing 10-7, the Yellow Jackets hit four straight 3-pointers -- two each from Undra Mitchem and Joe Toolie -- and took a 19-11 lead with 1:20 remaining in the quarter.

The Yellow Jackets, adding back-to-back 3s from Mitchem and Julliard Roberts in the second quarter, never again trailed.

Although Leesburg cooled down from beyond the arc in the second half -- hitting only one 3-point shot -- 5A Eustis was never able to get the deficit under 10 points. The closest Eustis got was 12 points on two occasions.

The first time came when Antwon Clayton hit a free throw with 2:25 left in the third quarter to make the score 48-36. The second time was on a free throw by Ronald Tarver with 1:21 left in the game making it 66-54.

Eustis lost Dunham, its talented sophomore point guard, with less than a minute remaining in the second quarter when he and Leesburg guard Joe Toolie collided while diving for a pass. Dunham hit his face on the court and was down for a few minutes with a bloody mouth.

He returned to the game with 6:40 left in the fourth quarter and made his presence felt immediately, scoring on a drive to the basket with 6:02 left. That was the first of five straight baskets for Dunham who finished the game with 12 points.

"You lose one of the best point guards in Central Florida and we struggled," Eustis coach Mike Bowe said. "But the kids kept fighting."

In the end, the game came down to Leesburg's 3-point shooting in the first half, and Eustis' inability to hit its free throws, particularly in the fourth quarter. The Panthers missed 11 free throws, including three front ends of one-and-one situations.

That continued a trend from Tuesday night when the Panthers lost to Brooksville Nature Coast 64-52. In that game, Eustis missed 13 free throws.

"We are shooting less than 50 percent [from the line]," Bowe said. "I don't know why, we are a good shooting team. This is two tough road losses this week, but I have no concerns. We'll come back."

Jones, a football commitment to the University of Miami as a wide receiver, led Leesburg's scoring with 19 points and Mitchem had 17 followed by Toolie (11), Troy Willis (11) and Roberts (10). In addition to Dunham's effort, Eustis also got double figures from Anthony Allen (13), Clayton (11) and cousin Dustin Dunham (10).

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.

Resources

Joe Williams
Orlando Sentinel
www.orlandosentinel.com

Leesburg Public Library

http://www.ci.leesburg.fl.us/library/

Visit one our websites or blogs below
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Leesburg quiets state-ranked Eustis 70-57 in Lake County showdown, January 21, 2012

By Tiffany Greene, BHSN
Last Updated: Saturday, January 21, 2012 12:47 AM

LEESBURG --

The game to watch on Friday night in Lake County was fifth-ranked Eustis (19-2) in Class 5A against defending state champion Leesburg (13-5). The game was sold out on Thursday. More than 1,300 packed the gym to watch the Yellow Jackets outmuscle the Panthers 70-57.

Undra Mitchem had 15 first half points as the Yellow Jackets led at the half 39-25.

Leesburg’s D’Mauri Jones contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds. Eustis forward Anthony Allen had a team-high 15 points.

Click the video link for the highlights.

Eustis Vs. Leesburg Video Highlights January 20, 2012

Resources

Tiffany Greene

BHSN

www.bhsn.com

Leesburg Public Library

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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Anticipation builds for Eustis-Leesburg hoops showdown, January 17, 2012

2011-2012 Varsity Yellow Jackets

Boys Basketball — posted by Buddy Collings on January, 16 2012 1:41 PM

Tickets ($5) go on sale Tuesday at both Leesburg and Eustis for Friday night’s boys basketball showdown between two state-ranked teams.

Undefeated Eustis (18-0) is ranked No. 10 in the Sentinel Super 16. Leesburg (11-5), coming off a state championship season, is No. 12. Tipoff time is 7 p.m. for their only matchup of the season.

“Our gym holds 1,300 and I think we’ll be close to that,” Leesburg coach Marcel Thomas said Monday. “These two communities have been waiting for a big matchup between these schools. There’s been a lot of trash talk. The anticipation is high. It’s going to be a fun atmosphere.”

Eustis plays a key district game at Brooksville Nature Coast (16-2) on Tuesday. The Panthers defeated the Sharks 51-34 in December at Eustis.

Resources

Buddy Collings
Orlando Sentinel
www.orlandosentinel.com

Leesburg Public Library

http://www.ci.leesburg.fl.us/library/

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Saturday, January 14, 2012

Leesburg, Eustis set to offer advance sale on tickets for highly anticipated game, Jan. 14, 2012

STAFF REPORT

Officials at Leesburg High School announced Thursday that tickets for Leesburg's upcoming boys basketbal game against Eustis will be sold in advance at both schools.

According to Vann Brackin, Leesburg athletic director, tickets will go on sale for the Jan. 20 game at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday in the front office at Leesburg High School.

The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Jan. 20 in the Leesburg gym.

Brackin said tickets, which cost $5 apiece, will be offered until 3 p.m. until day leading up to the game, or until the contest is sold out, whichever comes first.

"They are first come, first served," Brackin said.

Tickets also will be sold at Eustis High School, although details were not known at presstime. For information, call Eustis High School at 352-357-4147.

Many area fans are suggesting the Yellow Jackets and Panthers are playing for public-school supremacy in Lake County. The Panthers entered play on Thursday with a 16-0 record, while Leesburg is 10-5.

Eustis won the Lake's Great Eight tournament this year. Leesburg, on the other hand, competed in the prestigious Kingdom of the Sun tournament in Ocala during the holidays and beat Chandler (Ariz.) Basha, the top-ranked team in Arizona.

For information about tickets at Leesburg, call 352-787-5047.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Dustin Dunham scored 25 points Thursday to lead Eustis past South Sumter 52-46.

Jabari Dunham added 11 for the Panthers.

Eustis improved to 17-0 with the win and plays at 7 p.m. today at South Lake.

Leesburg 81, South Lake 54

Troy Willis scored 18 points and grabbed five rebounds in the Yellow Jackets' win.

Undra Mitchem added 15 points for Leesburg (11-5). Trey Bisbee scored 10 points.

Leesburg plays at 7 p.m. Thursday at East Ridge.

FOR MORE CLICK BELOW:

http://www.dailycommercial.com/Sports/HighSchool/11312local

Resources

Staff Report

Daily Commercial

January 14, 2012

Leesburg Public Library

http://www.ci.leesburg.fl.us/library/

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Leesburg, Eustis set to offer advance sale on tickets for highly anticipated game, January 14, 2012

STAFF REPORT

Officials at Leesburg High School announced Thursday that tickets for Leesburg's upcoming boys basketbal game against Eustis will sold in advance at both schools.

According to Vann Brackin, Leesburg athletic director, tickets will go on sale for the Jan. 20 game at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday in the front office at Leesburg High School.

The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Jan. 20 in the Leesburg gym.

Brackin said tickets, which cost $5 apiece, will be offered until 3 p.m. until day leading up to the game, or until the contest is sold out, whichever comes first.

"They are first come, first served," Brackin said.

Tickets also will be sold at Eustis High School, although details were not known at presstime. For information, call Eustis High School at 352-357-4147.

Many area fans are suggesting the Yellow Jackets and Panthers are playing for public-school supremacy in Lake County. The Panthers entered play on Thursday with a 16-0 record, while Leesburg is 10-5.

For information about tickets at Leesburg, call 352-787-5047.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Dustin Dunham scored 25 points Thursday to lead Eustis past South Sumter 52-46.

Jabari Dunham added 11 for the Panthers.

Eustis improved to 17-0 with the win and plays at 7 p.m. today at South Lake.

Leesburg 81, South Lake 54

Troy Willis scored 18 points and grabbed five rebounds in the Yellow Jackets' win.

Undra Mitchem added 15 points for Leesburg (11-5). Trey Bisbee scored 10 points.

Leesburg plays at 7 p.m. Thursday at East Ridge.

FOR MORE CLICK BELOW:

http://www.dailycommercial.com/Sports/HighSchool/11312local

Resources

Staff Report

Daily Commercial

January 14, 2012

Leesburg Public Library

http://www.ci.leesburg.fl.us/library/

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Monday, January 9, 2012

Host OCP tops Leesburg at Showdown in O-Town, January 7, 2012

( JOSHUA C. CRUEY, ORLANDO SENTINEL / November 12, 2011 )
Jordan Montgomery from Orlando Chrisitian Prep and Undra Mitchem from Leesburg High School in Orlando, Fla. during Varsity Boys Basketball media day on Saturday November 12, 2011.

Dre Clayton plays big in the middle for the Warriors

January 07, 2012|By Buddy Collings, ORLANDO SENTINEL

Host Orlando Christian Prep had its hands full for three quarters at its own Showdown in O-Town on Saturday.

But the Warriors (12-3), ranked No. 1 in 2A and fourth in the Super 16, opened the fourth quarter on a 14-2 run to break away from Leesburg (9-5) and win 65-49.

#2 OCP Downs Leesburg 65-49, January 7, 2012

( JOSHUA C. CRUEY, ORLANDO SENTINEL / November 12, 2011 )

Jordan Montgomery from Orlando Chrisitian Prep and Undra Mitchem from Leesburg High School in Orlando, Fla. during Varsity Boys Basketball media day on Saturday November 12, 2011.

Host OCP (12-3), ranked No. 1 in 2A and fourth in the Super 16, opened the fourth quarter on a 14-2 run to break away from Leesburg (9-5) and win 65-49.

Leesburg homecourt win moves Yellow Jackets to tie for first, January 6, 2012

Boys Basketball — posted by Buddy Collings on January, 6 2012 4:11 PM

Leesburg (9-4) moved into a virtual tie with Gainesville (12-3) for the lead in the 6A, District 5 boys basketball standings by beating the visiting Hurricanes 66-59 on Thursday night.

The win avenged a 12-point Dec. 2 road loss to GHS.

“The first time we played them we were still trying to shake off our football legs,” said Yellow Jackets coach Marcel Thomas. “If we’re playing well and hitting on all cylinders, I believe it would be hard for them to beat us.”

The two teams figure to meet in a district final on a nuetral floor at Lake Weir in February.

Resources

Buddy Collings
Orlando Sentinel
www.orlandosentinel.com

Leesburg Public Library

http://www.ci.leesburg.fl.us/library/

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