HR159INTRODUCED
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HR159
BYH3WJ4-1
By Representatives Chestnut, Lawrence
RFD:
First Read: 20-Mar-25
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5 BYH3WJ4-1 03/14/2025 LMG (L)lmg 2025-1189
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First Read: 20-Mar-25
HR____ COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE ROBERT C. HATCH
HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACHES FOR WINNING THE
2025 ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION 1A STATE
BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, we join the students, coaches, parents, and
faculty at Robert C. Hatch High School in celebrating the
Boys Basketball Team's Alabama High School Athletic
Association (AHSAA) Class 1A State Basketball Championship;
and
WHEREAS, on February 27, 2025, at the BJCC Legacy
Arena in Birmingham, the R.C. Hatch Bobcats took down the
Brantley Bulldogs, 69-67, claiming its 11th AHSAA state
basketball title in program history; and
WHEREAS, the state title was an AHSAA-record 11th, as
R.C. Hatch High School now holds the crown for the most
state championships in AHSAA boys high school basketball
history; they have won state titles in five different
decades with titles in 1978, 1985, 1987, 1994, 1995, five in
a six-year stretch from 2003-2008, and now, 2025; and
WHEREAS, on a team filled with exceptional athletes,
several players stood out with their game-changing play;
tournament MVP, Isiah Thomas, finished with 17 points and 13
rebounds, and he was 9-of-10 from the foul line; joining him
on the All-Tournament Team are Theotis Dudley, who added 16
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on the All-Tournament Team are Theotis Dudley, who added 16
points and six rebounds, and Merion Jones, who had 10 points
and seven rebounds; Jones' emphatic dunk late in the final
quarter brought the large crowd to its feet; and
WHEREAS, R.C. Hatch senior guard Lavonte Witherspoon
was also a notable standout, sealing the victory by sinking
two free throws with seven seconds remaining; he finished
with 13 points, nine rebounds, and five assists; and
WHEREAS, the R.C. Hatch High School Boys Basketball
Program has been superbly coached and inspired by Head
Varsity Coach Kris Hood and assistant coaches Sederick
Benison, Jamaal Hunter, and Terry Pope; under their
leadership, the players have broadened their knowledge of
the game, refined their skills in execution, and
strengthened the school's tradition of superior play and
true sportsmanship; and
WHEREAS, special commendations and appreciation are
also extended to scorekeeper, Johnathan Jenkins; team
trainers, Richard Bryant, Demarion Taylor, and Kaleb Hood;
and team manager, Acie Brown; and
WHEREAS, the talented members of the R.C. Hatch High
School Boys Basketball Team are Marion Jones, LaVonte
Witherspoon, Christopher Clark, Theotis Dudley, MaHari Mayo,
Isiah Thomas, Frederick Wilson, Cortayvius Wilson, Jahah
Jackson, William Jackson, and Ronzavian Lewis; together,
they proved that "R.C. Hatch is Back"; and
WHEREAS, the R.C. Hatch High School Bobcats'
noteworthy success is a tremendous source of pride for their
families, classmates, teachers, Principal Boris Hurst,
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families, classmates, teachers, Principal Boris Hurst,
Assistant Principal Lonnie Sigler, Athletic Director Melissa
Jones, and the entire community, whose dedication and
support have played a crucial role in motivating the team;
now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That the Robert C. Hatch High School
Boys Basketball Team and coaches are highly honored and
commended on earning the 2025 AHSAA Class 1A Basketball
Championship Title, and we hereby dedicate this resolution
to them with utmost admiration, along with best wishes for
continued success in all future endeavors.
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