Cameron Blakely Feature

Apalachee HS Senior Forward Cameron Blakely

Cameron Blakely came into this season with high hopes of helping lead Apalachee high school to a state tournament birth. When Apalachee knocked off Cedar Shoals high school in the quarterfinals of last week's region tournament, he did just that. The victory secured that coveted spot as one of thirty-two teams to play for it all in the AAAAA classification.  Apalachee got knocked off by Gainesville and Loganville in the semis and consolation game to give them the 4th seed coming out of Region 8. They will travel to New Manchester Wedensday for a 7pm tip.

 Blakely has done his part in helping Apalahcee get there. The 2013 forward is averaging 18ppg, 12rpg, and 4bpg. Apalachee carries a 17-9 record into the postseason.  Cameron, who stands at 6'9, comes from good basketball genes. His father played for Mississippi St in the 80s and then went on to a 13 year professional career.  Apalachee head coach Kevin Morris sings the praises of his big man, "His skill set for a 6'9 kid is really good. He can shoot the 3, runs floor, very good passer. He allows us [versatility] on defense because he can block and alter so many shots. Our guards can get out and pressure the ball with [him on the back end]." Morris sees Blakely as a stretch 4 at the next level who can be a trail guy on the break. Once he gets to a college campus, in the weight room, gets bigger and stronger, Morris feels very good about the player that he can become.

Blakely's enthusiasm for the postseason opportunity is evident when asked about this year's team. "I think we have a really good team. Expectations are high and we've been waiting for two years for this moment. Everyone is expecting us to lose but Apalachee is trying to go all the way," he says.

After the season concludes, Blakely will turn his attention to college coaches, start taking visits and sit down with family to talk about all his options. He lists schools that have shown interest and that he is interested in as Northwestern, Furman, UConn, and Jacksonville. Blakely says location is not a factor for him. He wants to find a program/system to match his skills and that will allow him to utilize his overall abilities.

For the Apalachee Wildcats to continue their season and pick up their first state tournament win in Blakely's four years at the school they will need him to step up and continue providing the complete overall production he has provided on both ends all season.