A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE Powdersville High School boys basketball TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2024 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Powdersville High boys basketball team of Anderson School District One captured the state Class AAA title at the Florence Center on Saturday, March 2, 2024; and

Whereas, to qualify for the state tournament, Powdersville defeated Wren High School, 47-46, winning the upper state championship and punching a ticket to the program's first state championship competition; and

Whereas, to the cheers of their exuberant fans, the Powdersville Patriots defeated a fine Darlington High School 53-47 to capture the program's first state trophy in their debut appearance at the state championship and to finish the season with a 25-6 record; and

Whereas, 6-foot-8 Patriot standout post and University of South Carolina commit junior Hayden Assemian gave Powdersville a boost throughout the playoffs, energizing the Powdersville fans with a couple of high-flying dunks in the first half and making crucial late-game contributions despite several second-half injuries that sidelined him in the late third and early fourth quarters; and

Whereas, with 3:27 left in the game and the Powdersville lead narrowed to 46-44, the Patriots dug deep to maintain and extend the lead to win with a final score of 53-47. Assemian scored the game-sealing bucket in the final minute and ended the game with 12 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, while fellow junior Jaleel McGee led the Patriots with 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals; and

Whereas, a team effort, other contributors included senior Caden Kreger with six points, three rebounds, and two assists; senior Jack Hurst with seven points, one rebound, and one assist; senior Nick Sweet with one rebound and two assists; junior Von Burton with seven points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals; and junior Quan Burton with three points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals; and

Whereas, in a sport that demands strength and agility, speed and accuracy, Head Coach Austin Anderson and his skilled coaching staff maximized their own athletic experience and training to forge a championship-caliber team and teach these athletes lessons that will endure beyond the courts; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives values the pride and recognition that the Powdersville 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 Powdersville High School boys basketball team, coaches, and school officials for an outstanding season and congratulate them for winning the 2024 South Carolina Class AAA State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Adam Lanford, principal, and to Coach Austin Anderson.

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