SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 891

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Marcus High School Marauders boys' basketball team, which recently won the University Interscholastic League Class 5A state championship title; and

WHEREAS, The Marauders won their first state championship by defeating the Lakeview Centennial High School Patriots from Garland by a score of 40-38 in a game that saw the Marauders open up a 20-point halftime lead and fight off a furious second-half comeback; and

WHEREAS, The Marauders rode the strength of the top-ranked defense in the state to go undefeated in District 8-5A and advance to the state tournament; Marcus Smart and Connor Taggart were named to the all-tournament team, and Marcus Smart was selected as the 5A most valuable player; and

WHEREAS, Each young athlete on the team has demonstrated great talent and perseverance over the course of the year and can take great pride in exemplifying the team's motto of "One Team, One Dream"; the Marauders finished the season with a record of 39-1 and were ranked first in the nation by MaxPreps Freeman Rankings in addition to winning the state championship; and

WHEREAS, The team is robustly supported by the Marauder Mob, a particularly dedicated, well-organized, large, and vocal student cheering section that attends every game and shares in this great accomplishment; and

WHEREAS, Under the superior leadership and expertise of Head Coach Danny Henderson and with the aid of assistant coaches Kenny Boren, Fred Jones, Will Kates, and Eli Rodriguez, the Marauders have developed exceptional teamwork and discipline; Coach Henderson was named Co-Coach of the Year for District 8-5A; and

WHEREAS, Marcus High School and the City of Flower Mound are proud of the Marauders for their hard work, their exceptional skills, and their fine sportsmanship; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby commend the Marcus High School Marauders boys' basketball team on its successful season and extend congratulations to team members on winning the University Interscholastic League Class 5A state championship title; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the team as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Harris

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 2, 2011.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate