A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE Lake View High School girls varsity basketball TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A STELLAR SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2024 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the Lake View girls basketball team of Dillon County captured the Class A state title at the Florence Center on Saturday, March 2, 2024; and

Whereas, to the excited cheers of their exuberant fans, the Lake View Gators defeated a fine, competitive Denmark-Olar High School in a nail-biting finish by a score of 49-46, and Lake View finished the season with an impressive 26-4 record; and

Whereas, the Wild Gators posted a final sixteen-game winning streak and were 8-0 in Region 6 play this year; and

Whereas, in the championship struggle, Lake View and Denmark-Olar traded the lead throughout the game, but in the final minute when the Wild Gators trailed by four, Lake View's Zy'kiara Waters drew a foul and made both free throws to narrow Denmark-Olar's lead.  Teammate Jaleya Ford then came up with a steal and hit a jumper to tie the game; and

Whereas, Denmark-Olar briefly regained the lead, but Jaleya Ford put Lake View ahead 47-46 on another jumper with twenty-nine seconds remaining, and Gwendasia Page hit two free throws with two seconds left in the game and secured the victory for the Wild Gators; and

Whereas,  Jaleya Ford led Lake View as high scorer with 21 points, and teammate Gwendasia Page followed with 14 points. Zy'kiara Waters added 10 points for the Wild Gators in a game where every players' contribution was essential to the state championship victory; and

Whereas, in a sport that requires speed, strength, and precision, Head Coach Larry Inman and his skilled coaching staff capitalized on their own athletic experience and training to build a championship-caliber team and teach these athletes lessons that will prove invaluable through life both on and off the courts; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives values the pride and recognition that the Lake View basketball players have brought to their school and their community, and the members look forward to following their continued achievements in the days ahead. 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 Lake View High School girls varsity basketball team, coaches, and school officials for a stellar season and congratulate them for winning the 2024 South Carolina Class A State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Chris Ray and Coach Larry Inman.

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