Jacqueline Blake wants you to know she’s a grinder.
If her imposing 6-foot-2, 192 pound frame doesn’t convince you then her resume might.
Blake averaged 11.6 points, 12.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks a game during her senior year of high school at Coral Springs Academy. She followed that up with a freshman campaign at Daytona State College where she averaged 6.7 points and 4.8 rebounds in 26 games last year.
This year, the stocky 19-year-old center, who transferred from Daytona State College, will be handling the post for the Lady Sharks. She played power forward last year for the Lady Falcons.
“She is so physical and loves the physical play,” said Lady Sharks Head Basketball Coach Susan Summons. “That is a tremendous attribute, a rare quality.”
Summons believes that Blake’s aggressive rebounding style and defensive abilities give her “All-American Potential,” but she also flashes some offense as a staunch pick and roll player.
“I’m very competitive,” said Blake, who readily admits to favoring defensive play.
It is that tough-minded attitude that coaches hope rubs off on her teammates. Blake will be anchoring a Lady Sharks team that was 10-19 last year and 7-9 in the Southern Conference.
“I hope to accomplish being the best at everything I do on the court when I step between the lines,” Blake said. “I grind harder.”
The Lady Sharks start their season in Gainesville on Nov. 1 at the Sante Fe Classic versus Sante Fe at 5 p.m.
