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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE LAURENS ACADEMY GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2018 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Laurens Academy basketball team of Laurens County took top honors at the state competition held at the Sumter County Civic Center on Saturday, February 24, 2018; and
Whereas, to the delight of their faithful fans, Laurens Academy defeated a fine, competitive Patrick Henry Academy team 48-34 to capture the team's first-ever state championship trophy and to finish the season with a 31-1 record; and
Whereas, the Laurens Lady Crusaders struggled offensively, but the second-year veterans at the state finals remained calm under pressure and steadily pulled away from Patrick Henry's Lady Patriots who were first to hit the backboards in the championship game; and
Whereas, near the end of the first quarter, the teams were tied 7-7, but early in the fourth quarter, Laurens had carved out a seven-point lead; and
Whereas, under the pressure of four fouls, high-scorer Taylor Campbell for the Lady Crusaders posted five of six free throws with only two and a half minutes left in play to help her team keep the lead as the game clock wound down; and
Whereas, Laurens forced 23 turnovers in the final game and outrebounded Patrick Henry, 43-28, without any distinct advantage in height, a significant feat after their 2017 loss in the state finals where a paucity of rebounding had cost Laurens the title; and
Whereas, the Lady Crusaders had a concerted team effort led by Taylor Campbell with 16 points while Ruthie Moore followed with 15, Blair Quarles with 8, Jennifer Wu with 7, and Reagan Williamson added 2; and
Whereas, in a sport that requires strength, agility, and, accuracy, Head Coach Jason Marlett and his skilled coaching staff capitalized on their own athletic ability and training to produce a championship-caliber team and teach these athletes lessons that will prove invaluable through life both on and off the court; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciate the pride and recognition that the Laurens Academy basketball players have brought to their school and their community and look to hear of their continued accomplishments in the days to come. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Laurens Academy girls varsity basketball team, coaches, and school officials for an extraordinary season and congratulate them for winning the 2018 South Carolina Independent School Association Class 1A State Championship title.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Headmaster Todd Kirk and Coach Jason Marlett.
This web page was last updated on March 1, 2018 at 10:57 AM