With a blend of scoring, size, and leadership, senior forward Angelo Moton has helped propel Leesburg High School to a promising 3-1 start, punctuated by a 62-59 win over Jones High that set an early tone for the Yellow Jackets’ season.

Angelo is a 6-foot-6 matchup problem for opposing defenses. He is averaging 21.3 points and 5 rebounds per game. But those inside the program say his value extends far beyond the box score. He is the emotional anchor of a Leesburg team aiming to build on the momentum of last season’s state finals appearance.

“Confidence comes from hard work,” Angelo says. “My mom always told me, ‘No excuses, just go out there and play hard.’ That’s something I live by, both in basketball and life.”

Angelo’s production on the floor is matched by his commitment in the classroom. Carrying a 3.4 GPA, he is deliberate about balancing his academic responsibilities with the demands of high-level high school basketball.

He also views leadership as an obligation, not an accessory. As an upperclassman, he has taken younger teammates under his wing, offering advice so that he leaves the program in good shape.

“Just keep working hard and be yourself,” he tells them. “Don’t try to be someone you’re not. If you want something bad enough, you can make it happen.”

Angelo has pointed to former Leesburg High player Keon Ellis who won a state championship with Leesburg in the late 2010s as a motivating factor. Keon currently plays in the NBA for the Sacramento Kings.

Much of the continuity and success at Leesburg traces back to head coach Sean Campbell, who has led the program for over a decade. Under Campbell, the Yellow Jackets have won two state championships and have consistently been one of Florida’s premier public-school basketball programs.

Angelo says Campbell’s open-door approach and commitment to player development shape the environment that has produced both wins and personal growth.

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

Campbell’s influence is echoed by those who once wore the Leesburg jersey. Assistant coach D’mani Nettles, a former student/athlete who returned to join the staff, says the culture extends well beyond basketball strategy.

“Everything that’s been done here the past decade has had a tremendous impact, on and off the court,” Nettles says. “I’ve seen the success of the academic programs and how they’ve benefited these young student-athletes because I lived it and I continue to see students benefit.”

While Moton may be the centerpiece, Leesburg’s success this season is focused on the depth of their roster. Senior 6’7” forward Javion Jenkins has become a reliable scoring threat, averaging 19.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. His size and versatility make him a difficult matchup in transition and around the rim.

Junior guard Xavier Campbell has emerged as the team’s primary playmaker, posting 12.3 points and 6 assists per game. His vision on the court has given Leesburg a steady presence in the backcourt, balancing the physicality brought by Moton and Jenkins.

Together, the trio provides a dynamic scoring punch that has made Leesburg a very exciting team to watch in Central Florida during the season’s first two weeks.

Leesburg High School has undergone significant academic transformation. Investments in programs such as the Cambridge AICE curriculum have raised the school’s graduation rate by 20 percent in recent years. Students, particularly athletes, now benefit from stronger academic guidance, clearer pathways to college, and a more supportive school-wide environment.

For students like Angelo, it has created a foundation that supports dreams both on the court and in the classroom.

As the season moves forward, Leesburg’s mission is unmistakable: return to the FHSAA Final Four and reclaim a state championship.

The roster is experienced comprised of mostly all juniors and seniors. The early chemistry this team has is strong, and the belief is growing every day.

“Our goal is to get back to the State Championship and win it all,” Angelo says. “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.”

Leesburg has a few rivalry games with Wildwood coming up with a home game on December 13th and an away game at Wildwood on the 17th. Leesburg will play in the DeLand Pre Christmas tournament and Tampa Christmas tournament in a few weeks as well.