TITLE: Congratulating the Graford High School boys' basketball team on winning the 2023 UIL 1A state championship.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Graford High School boys' basketball team on winning the 2023 UIL 1A state championship.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Graford High School boys' basketball team once again proved itself one of the finest in the Lone Star State by winning the 2023 University Interscholastic League 1A state championship on March 11 at the Alamodome in San Antonio; and WHEREAS, During the regular season, the Jackrabbits dropped just three games, and they claimed the District 21-1A title with a perfect record against their league rivals; Graford advanced through the playoffs with decisive victories over Nocona Prairie Valley, Sulphur Bluff, Slidell, Gordon, and Huckabay High Schools to reach the state tournament for the ninth time in program history; in the semifinals, the team easily dispatched Benjamin High School 66-42 to claim a berth in the state finale; and WHEREAS, Graford matched up against Jayton High School in a thrilling championship showdown; the teams battled to a 41-all tie at the end of regulation; in overtime, the Jackrabbits cranked up the defensive pressure to triumph 49-44 and claim their second consecutive state crown, closing out a storybook season with a record of 37 wins and only 3 losses; and WHEREAS, Championship game Most Valuable Player Colin Roberts and Christian Shea were 1A All-Tournament picks for Graford; the team also received significant contributions throughout the year from the other members of the roster: Landon Cobb, Nick Bloxham, McKennon Lemley, Cye Lemley, Reed Ferguson, Connor Waters, Brad Lemley, Kamdyn Richardson, Jayden Welch, Noah Perry, and Jess Lemley; these talented student-athletes were directed by head coach Jeff Bell and assistant coach Jarod Westmoreland; and WHEREAS, By winning back-to-back state titles, the Graford Jackrabbits have burnished their school's reputation for basketball excellence, and they may indeed reflect with pride on a job well done; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Graford High School boys' basketball team on winning the 2023 UIL 1A 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 team as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Rogers Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 917 was adopted by the House on April 14, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House