SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 701

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased
to recognize the DeSoto High School boys' basketball team for 
capturing the Class 5A state championship on March 8, 2003; and
	WHEREAS, The Eagles defeated Corpus Christi Ray High 
School 94-73 at the Frank Erwin Center to earn the school's first 
state basketball championship; and
	WHEREAS, The DeSoto basketball team members exhibited 
perseverance, team unity, and respect for the highest ideals
of sportsmanship as they demonstrated their talent and the 
discipline instilled in them by Head Coach Chris Dyer and 
Assistant Coaches David Martinez and Kory McIver; and
	WHEREAS, Bringing home the championship title this year 
was especially sweet for the Eagles; after barely missing the 
playoffs in the 2001-2002 season, the Eagles entered this season 
with exceptional determination, and their hard work paid off with 
a remarkable 33-6 record and the state championship title; and
	WHEREAS, Team members include championship game most 
valuable player Dez Willingham and fellow seniors James Williams, 
Will Gant, Barry Williams, Chris Christian, Hampton Alexander, 
Charles Stoker, and Trey Gilder; the team also relied on juniors 
Dwight Coleman, Derrick Wilbourn, Rodney Jackson, and Gerad 
Coward, sophomore Roderick Flemings, and freshmen Ronnie Morgan 
and Jermaine Beal; and
	WHEREAS, This exemplary group of young men and their coaches 
and staff can be justifiably proud of their accomplishments, and 
they are a source of tremendous pride to the students and faculty 
at Desoto High School; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby congratulate the members and coaching 
staff of the DeSoto High School boys' basketball team for winning 
the Class 5A state championship and extend to them best wishes 
for continued success; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
them as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                            West




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 6, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate