A house RESOLUTION

 

to honor and recognize the Wardlaw Academy girls Varsity basketball team, coaches, and school officials for an outstanding season and to congratulate them on winning the South Carolina Independent School Association Class 1A State Championship title.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were pleased to hear that the Wardlaw Academy girls varsity basketball team won the South Carolina Independent School Association Class 1A State Championship title at the championship game held at the Sumter County Civic Center on Friday, February 27, 2026; and

 

Whereas, this win marks the Wardlaw girls varsity basketball team's first championship title since 2009; and

 

Whereas, after finishing last season as the SCISA Class 1A state runner up, the Wardlaw Patriots were determined to come out on top this season. The Patriots entered the season with just eight players: seniors Taylor Hill, Katherine Trotter, and Brianna McNeil; sophomore Lillie Stocum; freshmen Brooklyn Proctor and Charlotte Grace Culver; and eighth graders Mary Blanche Stark and Savannah McNeil. They knew that they had to put in the work this season to get back to the championship game. Their hard work and determination paid off, as they not only made it to the championship game, but also defeated the Richard Winn Academy Eagles 43-39; and

 

Whereas, both teams came into this final game with a 13-7 record. This championship game was the fifth meeting of the two this season, with the Patriots only winning one of the previous games against their rivals. The Patriots knew that it would take all the effort and strength that they had to come out on top when they met the Eagles again in the championship game. After trailing by sixteen points in the first quarter and seven points at halftime, the Patriots were able to turn it around and outscore the Eagles 26-15 in the second half, claiming the 2026 championship title; and

 

Whereas, Katherine Trotter led Wardlaw in scoring with seventeen points, while teammate Taylor Hill finished the game with fifteen points. Brianna McNeil finished with seven points, while Lillie Stocum and Mary Blanche Stark earned two points each for the Patriots. The team's three seniors, Taylor Hill, Katherine Trotter, and Brianna McNeil were named to the All-Tournament team; and

 

Whereas, in a sport that requires both physical and mental strength, Head Coach Kristina Spurlock and her talented coaching staff utilized their own experience and passion for the sport to craft a championship-caliber team. The lessons that they have taught these young athletes will continue to prove invaluable on and off the court; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives value the pride and recognition that the Wardlaw Academy girls varsity basketball team have brought to their school and community. The members look forward to hearing of their future achievements 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, honor and recognize the Wardlaw Academy girls varsity basketball team, coaches, and school officials for an outstanding season and congratulate them on winning the South Carolina Independent School Association Class 1A State Championship title.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Wardlaw Academy Head of School Dr. Jared Smith and Head Coach Kristina Spurlock.

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