A house RESOLUTION

TO CELEBRATE THE SUMTER HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR CAPTURING THE 2024 CLASS AAAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND TO CONGRATULATE THE TEAM'S EXCEPTIONAL PLAYERS, COACHES, AND STAFF ON A SUPERB SEASON.

Whereas, on a mission to take home the gold, the Sumter High School girls basketball team capped a dominating, undefeated 25-0 record by netting the 2024 Class AAAAA State Championship title, trouncing Rock Hill 60-42 on Friday, March 1, 2024, at the Florence Civic Center; and

Whereas, with the biggest prize in South Carolina high school girls basketball on the line, the Lady Gamecocks focused all their knowledge, skill, and determination, took to heart their coaches' exhortations, and came through like the champs they are. The result? They captured the first state championship for Sumter girls basketball in forty-one years. In this history-making game, leading scorer Rickell Brown racked up 20 points, and eighth-grade phenom Araina Ross scored 17, while Keziyah Sanders and Kiara Croskey, the 5A State Player of the Year, each had eight points for Sumter; and

Whereas, in addition, the Lady Gamecocks won all but one of their games in double figures; and

Whereas, at the title game, Sumter held Rock Hill to 24% shooting and forced 15 turnovers. Despite featuring a smaller lineup, the Lady Gamecocks repeatedly forced the action inside and finished strong at the rim. It became a runaway in the fourth quarter when Croskey hit a pair of free throws and made a layup on heavy traffic; and

Whereas, Rickell Brown testified to the source of the Lady Gamecocks' excellence: "It starts with God. We put him first. We love each other and have good chemistry. That's how you win a championship"; and

Whereas, when the game was history, Head Coach Jeff Schaffer joined his impressive staff of assistant coaches, composed of Audrika Gadson, Zykiem Jackson, and Chris Vandevander, in witnessing the fruit of their joint labors as the title trophy was hoisted; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives takes great pleasure in recognizing the young women of the Sumter High School girls basketball team for leading with excellence both in the classroom and on the court, and the members expect to hear of continued great achievements in the years ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution,  celebrate the Sumter High School girls basketball team for capturing the 2024 Class AAAAA State Championship title and congratulate the team's exceptional players, coaches, and staff on a superb season.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Anamaria Sandor and Head Coach Jeff Schaffer of Sumter High School.

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