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By JOHN CEBALLOS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 2, 2008

Updated: 01/31/2008 07:33 pm

GIBSONTON - Stacy-Ann Blake spent the first seven years of her life in New York City, where it's possible to find a basketball court within walking distance of almost any location.

However, the Queens native didn't start shooting hoops until she moved to Florida.

"Even though I've been playing since third grade, I never really got into it until my cousins got me into it when I moved here," Blake said. "It took some adjusting, getting used to not living in the city anymore, but basketball was always fun."

For the past two years, the Apollo Beach resident has been having fun as a member of the East Bay High School varsity girls basketball team.

Head coach Terry Varvil, whose team finished the regular season with a 7-15 record, has seen an improvement in her game during that time.

"She didn't start off as a post player, but now she starts most of our games at center," Varvil said. "She's worked hard to improve her game, and I enjoy rewarding that hard work with time on the court."

Blake, who is the team's second-leading rebounder, has also managed to keep her eye on the prize when it comes to her studies.

"I know she's in a lot of honors classes," Varvil said. "On top of getting better and better as a basketball player, she's very smart."

Though Blake is still undecided on what she wants to study in college, she said she would not mind taking her game to the next level.

"I know it's competitive, but I would like to play college ball," Blake said. "To be honest, I'm still trying to figure out my way through high school."

GET TO KNOW

WHO: Stacy-Ann Blake

AGE: 15

SCHOOL: East Bay High School

GRADE: 10

SPORTS: basketball

POSTION: center

PLANS: Would like to play basketball in college

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555 or jceballos@tampatrib.com.

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