A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE THE DORCHESTER ACADEMY LADY RAIDERS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACHES FOR WINNING THE 2026 SOUTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND COMMEND THEM FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON.

 

Whereas, the Dorchester Academy Lady Raiders of St. George won the South Carolina Independent School Association Class 2A Girls State Basketball Championship on February 28, 2026, when they defeated the Cross Schools Stingrays of Bluffton 39-37 in an overtime thriller at the Sumter Civic Center; and

 

Whereas, as a local news report rightly noted, the unforgettable game "was a knock-down drag-out that left fans of both schools emotionally drained when it was finally over"; and

 

Whereas, among the Raider standout performers were sophomore Emery McClure (No. 10), who was named the Region 2A Player of the Year. She and juniors Rylee Weathers (No. 5) and Palmer Kizer (No. 2) were selected to the SCISA 2A All-Tournament Team; and

 

Whereas, joined by talented teammates, seniors Rylee Matthews (No. 15) and Lyla Owens (No. 22), junior Alyssa Grooms (No. 4), sophomores Emma Branch (No. 24) and Brinley Pope (No. 20), and freshman Madison Downey (No. 23), the Lady Raiders finished their 2025-2026 season with an impressive 26-4 record; and

 

Whereas, Head Coach Callie McClure and Assistant Coach Kara Pendarvis used their own experience and passion for basketball to build a championship team; and

 

Whereas, the Dorchester Academy Lady Raiders have made their school, their community, and their State proud. The South Carolina Senate takes great pleasure in recognizing this outstanding group of talented athletes. Go, Raiders! Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the Senate of South Carolina, by this resolution, congratulate the Dorchester Academy Lady Raiders basketball team and coaches on their impressive win of the 2026 Class 2A SCISA State Championship title and commend them for a fine season.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dorchester Academy Head of School Heather Judy and Lady Raiders Head Coach Callie McClure.

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