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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The Graford High School boys' basketball team once |
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again proved itself one of the finest in the Lone Star State by |
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winning the 2023 University Interscholastic League 1A state |
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championship on March 11 at the Alamodome in San Antonio; and |
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WHEREAS, During the regular season, the Jackrabbits dropped |
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just three games, and they claimed the District 21-1A title with a |
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perfect record against their league rivals; Graford advanced |
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through the playoffs with decisive victories over Nocona Prairie |
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Valley, Sulphur Bluff, Slidell, Gordon, and Huckabay High Schools |
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to reach the state tournament for the ninth time in program history; |
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in the semifinals, the team easily dispatched Benjamin High School |
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66-42 to claim a berth in the state finale; and |
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WHEREAS, Graford matched up against Jayton High School in a |
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thrilling championship showdown; the teams battled to a 41-all tie |
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at the end of regulation; in overtime, the Jackrabbits cranked up |
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the defensive pressure to triumph 49-44 and claim their second |
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consecutive state crown, closing out a storybook season with a |
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record of 37 wins and only 3 losses; and |
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WHEREAS, Championship game Most Valuable Player Colin |
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Roberts and Christian Shea were 1A All-Tournament picks for |
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Graford; the team also received significant contributions |
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throughout the year from the other members of the roster: Landon |
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Cobb, Nick Bloxham, McKennon Lemley, Cye Lemley, Reed Ferguson, |
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Connor Waters, Brad Lemley, Kamdyn Richardson, Jayden Welch, Noah |
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Perry, and Jess Lemley; these talented student-athletes were |
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directed by head coach Jeff Bell and assistant coach Jarod |
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Westmoreland; and |
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WHEREAS, By winning back-to-back state titles, the Graford |
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Jackrabbits have burnished their school's reputation for |
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basketball excellence, and they may indeed reflect with pride on a |
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job well done; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas |
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Legislature hereby congratulate the Graford High School boys' |
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basketball team on winning the 2023 UIL 1A state championship and |
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extend to the players, coaches, and staff sincere best wishes for |
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continued success; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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House of Representatives. |
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Rogers |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 917 was adopted by the House on April |
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14, 2023, by a non-record vote. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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