SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 659

WHEREAS, The De Queen High School girls' basketball team brought its season to a triumphant close by winning the 2025 Arkansas Activities Association 4A state championship; and

WHEREAS, De Queen began its journey to the title in dominant fashion, dropping only one contest during the regular season; the Lady Leopards carried their momentum into the playoffs and dispatched Warren, Camden Fairview, and Nashville High Schools to capture the Region 4 championship and advance to the state tournament; there, the De Queen players earned decisive victories over Pottsville, Clinton, and Mills University Studies High Schools to punch their ticket to the state final; and

WHEREAS, On March 14 at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs, De Queen took the court against undefeated Pulaski Academy with the 4A crown on the line; behind a stout defense and a relentless offensive attack, the Lady Leopards led 30-20 at halftime and then demonstrated tremendous resolve down the stretch, holding off their foe's comeback attempt to seal the outcome; when the final seconds ticked away, the team cut down the nets in celebration of a 62-54 victory and the program's second state title, adding to the trophy collected in 2003; with the triumph, De Queen finished with an outstanding record of 35 wins and just one loss; and

WHEREAS, De Queen was paced by Championship Game Most Valuable Player Shalyn Lyle, who was joined by Jessie Lyle and Emma Chambers on the 4A All-Tournament Team; over the course of their campaign, the Lady Leopards received valuable contributions from each member of the roster, and these determined student-athletes were ably guided by head coach Bret Burgess; and

WHEREAS, Winning a state championship represents the culmination of countless hours of hard work and an unwavering commitment to excellence, and the De Queen Lady Leopards will treasure the memory of this accomplishment for the rest of their lives; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby congratulate the De Queen High School girls' basketball team on winning the 2025 Arkansas Activities Association 4A state championship and extend to the players, coaches, and staff sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for the Lady Leopards as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Hughes

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 31, 2025.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate