A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE Ragin Preparatory Christian Academy boys varsity basketball TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2026 SOUTH CAROLINA Independent School Association CLASS 1a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Ragin Preparatory basketball team of Sumter County captured another state title at the state competition held at the Sumter County Civic Center on Saturday, February 28, 2026; and

 

Whereas, to the thrill of their faithful fans, the Ragin Preparatory Rams defeated the Newberry Academy Eagles 59-21, to take back-to-back state titles; and

 

Whereas, Ragin Prep was untouchable from the very beginning as everyone in the starting lineup got involved as the Rams built an early 15-0 and never looked back. Kavontay Rose put up the first points and senior Kayshaun Rutherford made a three-point shot to give the Rams an immediate 5-0 lead; and

 

Whereas, Ragin prep had a smothering defense that secured a comfortable 17-6 lead going into the second quarter. When two Ragin Prep starters were taken out at the beginning of the second quarter, the Rams' offense slowed a bit. Zymir Robinson-Hill made two steals against the Eagles that converted into points and pushed the lead out to 23-8, and the half ended with a 30-10 lead for the Rams; and

 

Whereas, after halftime, the Rams' defense swarmed Newberry, allowing only four points in the third quarter, and put the game out of reach. Their mix of press and man defense was too much for the Eagles to handle. By the end of the game, Ragin Prep was able to unload the bench, and eighth grader Orion Brogdon-Nixon splashed a three-point shot in the final minutes; and

 

Whereas, Ragin Prep's senior Kayshaun Rutherford scored 18 points in his final game as a Ram, Robinson-Hill scored 13, and Kavontay Rose finished with 12 points. Senior K'den Shannon posted 7 points even though he battled an ankle injury early in the second quarter; and

 

Whereas, Ragin Prep did not have the same resources that other schools have as the team was without a home gym and unlimited practice time. But they had each other and a brotherhood they were able to ride to consecutive state titles. The bond that developed over four years of playing together was the uniting factor for the Rams; and

 

Whereas, in a sport that demands strength, speed, and precision, Head Coach Anthony Jackson and his dedicated coaching staff used their own athletic ability and training to produce a two-time championship team and teach these athletes life principles that will endure beyond the court; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciates the pride and recognition that the Ragin Prep basketball players have brought to their school and their community, and the members look forward to hearing about their continued accomplishments 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, recognize and honor the Ragin Preparatory Christian Academy boys varsity basketball team, coaches, and school officials for an extraordinary season and congratulate them for winning the 2026 South Carolina Independent School Association Class 1A State Championship title.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Headmaster Shawn T. Ragin and to Coach Anthony Jackson.

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