For Leesburg High School basketball standouts Angelo Moton and Tyler Green, the upcoming season is more than just another opportunity to take the court—it’s a chance to fulfill their ultimate goal of bringing a state championship to their school. Junior forward Angelo Moton and sophomore guard Tyler Green are key players for the Yellow Jackets, and both have their eyes set on Lakeland, where the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) State Championships take place.

Moton, who averaged 13.7 points and 7 rebounds per game last season, is the seasoned leader on a team that came tantalizingly close to a state tournament berth last year. Green, a rising star, is eager to make his mark after a stellar junior varsity season. Both athletes share a hunger for success and the determination to lead their team all the way.

“We came so close last year to winning a state championship and missed out on the State Final Four,” said assistant coach D’mani Nettles. “But this year, these boys are hungry and ready to go.”

Angelo Moton: Leading by Example

At 6-foot-6, Angelo Moton is a physical presence on the court, but it’s his work ethic and leadership that set him apart. Moton’s athletic talents are matched by his dedication to academics, maintaining a 3.4 GPA while balancing a rigorous basketball schedule. His leadership extends off the court, where he credits his parents, especially his mother, Vanessa, for instilling the values of hard work and accountability.

“My mom always told me, ‘No excuses—just go out there and play hard,’” said Moton. “That’s something I live by, both in basketball and life.”

Moton’s favorite moments as a Leesburg Yellow Jacket include bonding with teammates and participating in last year’s basketball tournament in Georgia. That tournament allowed him to measure himself against some of the top high school talent in the country, an experience that left a lasting impact.

“It let me know where I stood against some of the best in the nation,” Moton said. “I loved that challenge, and it’s only made me more motivated.”

As one of the team’s upperclassmen, Moton also sees himself as a mentor to younger players like Tyler Green. His advice to aspiring athletes is simple but profound: “Just keep working hard and be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. If you want something bad enough, you can make it happen.”

Tyler Green: The Scholar-Athlete on the Rise

At just 15 years old, Tyler Green is already drawing attention for his athleticism, basketball IQ, and academic prowess. With a 3.9 GPA, Green prioritizes his studies, and he’s mastered the art of balancing academics with basketball.

“I try to get all my schoolwork done during the week so that on the weekend I can destress and just play basketball,” said Green. “For me, balancing school and basketball is so important. When you can turn everything off and focus on something you love, it’s a great feeling.”

After excelling on the junior varsity team last season, Green is poised to make an impact once again at either the junior varsity or varsity level. His drive and commitment have not gone unnoticed by his coaches, especially Nettles, who sees a lot of himself in the young guard.

“Tyler reminds me of myself at that age,” said Nettles. “He’s got all the tools—athleticism, work ethic, and most importantly, the belief in himself.”

Green’s confidence is contagious, and he’s quick to offer advice to younger players and peers: “Always believe in yourself. There are plenty of moments where you might doubt yourself, but don’t let that happen. Stay confident, and good things will happen.”

A Culture of Success at Leesburg High

For both players, part of the reason they love playing for Leesburg High is the family-like atmosphere fostered by head coach Sean Campbell and the school’s administration. Campbell has built the basketball program over the last decade, and players like Moton and Green credit him with creating a culture of support and unity.

“Coach Campbell makes it feel like a family,” said Moton. “There’s never a moment you can’t go up and talk to him. That’s what I love about playing for him.”

The impact of Leesburg’s culture goes beyond basketball. Principal Randolph’s efforts to improve academic programs, including the Cambridge AICE program, have had a profound effect on the entire student body, especially student-athletes. The school’s graduation rate has increased by 20% in recent years, and many students are now shown clear pathways to success after high school.

“Everything that’s been done here the past decade has had a tremendous impact, on and off the court,” said Nettles, who played for Leesburg before joining the coaching staff. “I’ve seen the success of the academic programs and how they’ve benefitted these young student-athletes because I lived it and I continue to see students benefit.”

Having a coach like D’mani has been good for the program as well. Both Green and Moton reiterated “We appreciate coach Nettles. He is like a big brother and a great coach, and we look up to him for what he does on and off the court. He shows us that we can be something special at a young age just like him.”

With a state championship as their end goal, Moton and Green are laser-focused on leading Leesburg to new heights this season.

“Our goal is to get to Lakeland and win it all,” said Moton. “We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the drive, and we’ve got the support. Now it’s up to us to make it happen.”

As the season is now upon us, could this be the year the Yellow Jackets bring home their fifth State Championship? We are eager to find out.

Photos: Nicole Hamel