A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE POWDERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A REMARKABLE 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 baseball team captured the state title at the state series held at Gilbert High School on Saturday, May 25, 2024; and

Whereas, to the cheers of their exuberant fans, the Powdersville Patriots defeated a competitive Hanahan High School 9-5 in the third game of the best two-of-three series to win the program's first state trophy and posted a 25-10 record for the season; and

Whereas, after the Hanahan Hawks had taken the first game, Hanahan had scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, to take a 4-3 lead, and in the bottom of the seventh Powdersville forced extra innings with a run for a 4-4 tie. After two outs in the twelfth, Patriots Kolbe Giles and Jack Hunsinger each took a walk ahead of Chance Kennedy, the team's leadoff batter, who drilled a line-drive single to center; and

Whereas, when Kolbe Giles appeared to be thrown out at home, Hanahan's catcher was called for obstruction for not giving the runner a lane to the plate. Powdersville was able to stay alive to play the third game by taking Hanahan 5-4 in the controversial finish in the twelfth inning; and

Whereas, in the third game of the series, the Patriots had one hit in the first three innings but posted five runs in the bottom of the fourth inning for the 5-0 lead. Pitcher Landon Fowler added a two-run single in the fifth inning for a score of 7-0. The Hawks scored all five of their runs in the top of the seventh, but that would not be enough; and

Whereas, the Patriots plated two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Landon Fowler, a Clemson commit, led his team, throwing six and one-third shutout innings, allowing only two hits, and driving in three runs. The Patriots held on to their lead for a 9-5 victory; and

Whereas, in a sport that demands speed, strength, and strategy, Head Coach Wade Padgett 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 prove invaluable through life both on and off the diamond; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives values the pride and recognition that the Powdersville baseball 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 baseball team, coaches, and school officials for a remarkable 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 Principal Adam Lanford and Coach Wade Padgett.

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