Assembly Resolution No. 2447 BY: M. of A. Solages CONGRATULATING the Elmont High School Boys Basketball Team upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA Basketball Class AA Championship on March 16, 2024 WHEREAS, Individual and team championships are highly sought after in high school sports; this Legislative Body commends rare athletic achievements and pays special recognition to those who pursue such excellence and become examples for the youth of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Athletic competition helps to enhance both the moral and physical development of young athletes, preparing them for the future by instilling in them the importance of teamwork, encouraging a standard of healthy living, and developing a sense of fair play and competition; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate the Elmont High School Boys Basketball Team upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA Basketball Class AA Championship, held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls, New York; and WHEREAS, To the praise and applause of their excited fans, the Elmont High School Boys Basketball Team captured their first state title since 2016; after losing the challenge to South Side last season, the boys were highly motivated to accomplish their goal; and WHEREAS, Upholding a strong defense as their strategy, the Elmont High School Boys Basketball Team outscored West Genesee to win with a final score of 51-44; and WHEREAS, Proudly donning the school's colors of green and white, family, friends, and the community at large loyally and enthusiastically supported the Spartans throughout their journey as they ended their season with an impressive 23-4 overall record; and WHEREAS, The Elmont High School Boys Basketball Team persevered to the state title after a close match against Half Hollow Hills East in the Southeast Regional final, winning by just one basket with a score of 53-51; and WHEREAS, In a sport such as basketball, which demands athletic prowess, speed and agility, Coach Ryan Straub has worked hard to hone the skills of this championship team, teaching these outstanding athletes lessons which will prove invaluable both on and off the court; and WHEREAS, Coach Ryan Straub and all of the outstanding athletes on the Elmont High School Boys Basketball Team have clearly utilized dedication, determination and teamwork in providing a lasting contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of their school; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the members of the Elmont High School Boys Basketball Team: Khalil Williams, Kyle Simmons, Darrien Prophete, Ebubenna Nwabudu, Khalil Muhammad, Cassius Moore, Aaron Kelly, Keyoun Kahan, Caleb Harris, Gemere Frias-Walsh, Osagie Ekhator, Nassir Edwards, Kymani Dias, Jordan Cook, Arlyn Brown and Coach Ryan Straub upon the occasion of capturing the 2024 NYSPHSAA Basketball Class AA Championship on March 16, 2024; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the Elmont High School Boys Basketball Team and Coach Ryan Straub.