Current Status Bill Number:5025 Type of Legislation:House Resolution HR Introducing Body:House Introduced Date:19980414 Primary Sponsor:Cooper All Sponsors:Cooper Drafted Document Number:pt\1866dw.98 Date Bill Passed both Bodies:19980414 Subject:Palmetto High School Mustangs Boys Basketball Team, Anderson County, Resolutions
Body Date Action Description Com Leg Involved ______ ________ _______________________________________ _______ ____________ House 19980414 Introduced, adoptedView additional legislative information at the LPITS web site.
EXTENDING THE CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE PALMETTO HIGH SCHOOL "MUSTANGS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM OF ANDERSON COUNTY FOR A SUPERB SEASON AND FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING EFFORTS IN THE FINAL GAME OF THE 1997-98 CLASS AA STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.
Whereas, the Palmetto High School "Mustangs" Boys Basketball Team's enthusiasm is a result of having turned what started out as a mediocre season into one of the best in the school's basketball history; and
Whereas, after a disappointing 8-17 record for 1996-97, the Mustangs opened the 1997-98 season with a slow 7-5 start and fears of even more disappointment, but Head Coach Lawton Williams saw something different in this year's team, and he remained optimistic about having a good season. "We were fortunate to get some really lucky breaks along the way, we had some shots fall that normally wouldn't have fallen, we got some calls to go our way, and, most importantly, we just simply went out and did the job we needed to do," Coach Williams noted, in looking back over his team's 11-1 record during the remainder of their regular season; and
Whereas, the Mustangs took a nine-game winning streak and their newly won Skyline Conference Championship into the State AA Playoffs;
Whereas, by defeating a quick Chesnee team, defending State AA runner-up Pendleton, and Seneca High School in the Upper State Finals, the Mustangs advanced to their fourth playoff game. The Mustangs thrilled a large following local faithful by rallying from a 12-point deficit to upend Bishopville and win their first-ever Upper State AA Championship; and
Whereas, Palmetto was rated a heavy underdog in the final game for the State Championship, as Hemmingway, the Lower State Champions, came in with a 26-1 overall record and a 19-game winning streak, while averaging a mind-boggling 90 plus points per game; and
Whereas, time and time again, Hemmingway appeared to be beating Palmetto into submission, only to see the proud Mustangs rally back and make a true fight of it. But their dreams of winning it all fell short, leaving them holding onto the runner-up trophy at the end of the evening. Still, they had accomplished far more than any team in Palmetto's basketball history, they had gone where no other Mustang team had gone before; and
Whereas, Head Coach Lawton Williams, along with Coach Doug Angel, have brought recognition to Palmetto High School after their team's unbelievable season and championship performance; and
Whereas, the countless hours of practice, hard work, and sacrifices certainly reflect this superb basketball team's determination; and
Whereas, the students, parents, and school administration of Palmetto High School have provided the support and encouragement necessary to achieve this highest level of consistency in high school basketball; and
Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives and the citizens of the Palmetto State are extremely proud of the Palmetto High School "Mustangs" Basketball Team. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina hereby extend their congratulations to the Palmetto High School "Mustangs" Boys Basketball Team for a superb season and for their outstanding efforts in the final game of the 1997-98 Class AA State Basketball Championship.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Head Coach Lawton Williams.