2017 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 158
BY SENATORS CHABERT AND ALLAIN
A RESOLUTION
To commend the Ellender Memorial High School Lady Patriots basketball team upon
winning the Class 4A state championship.
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that the citizens of Louisiana have learned that the
Ellender Memorial High School Lady Patriots basketball team won the 2016-2017 Class 4A
championship for the fifth time in school history; and
WHEREAS, the Lady Patriots completed a dream season on March 4, 2017, at the
Southeastern Louisiana University Center in Hammond with a 65-49 victory over Salmen
High School; and
WHEREAS, along the way, the girls compiled a record of twenty-eight wins and
only seven losses with a perfect record in district play; and
WHEREAS, the Lady Patriots legendary Head Coach Kenneth Dixon recently
returned from a brief retirement to lead the team to its first championship tournament
appearance since 2008; and
WHEREAS, under Coach Dixon, Ellender's teams have previously claimed state
titles in 1999, 2000, 2003, and 2007, as well as finishing as state runner-up in 2001 and
2008; and
WHEREAS, Coach Dixon was ably assisted by Gus Brown and Kenya Bibbs, and
supported by Principal Blaise Pellegrin and assistant principals John Campbell and Dina
Hutchinson; and
WHEREAS, on the court, the team was led by senior captains Nikkia Johnson and
VaShawn McKinley; and
WHEREAS, with twelve returning letter winners, including Class 4A tournament
most valuable player Orieon James, Kira Coleman, Mariah Steward, Keion Lyons, Class 4A
All-State Most Outstanding Player Terris McKay, J'Lisha Holly, second team All-District
Trastasia Hester, All-State Honorable Mention Marghan Frierson, Tranace Alexander, Carly
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Anderson, Tanisha Hester, and Mya Steward, the Lady Patriots are poised to ably defend
their title next season; and
WHEREAS, while these girls excel on the basketball court, they also thrive in the
classroom as scholar athletes; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Senate wish to recognize each of the coaches,
managers, and the extraordinary Lady Patriots team members on their much deserved state
championship title that was earned through teamwork, determination, and a commitment to
their sport and each other.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend and congratulate the players, managers, and coaches of the Ellender
Memorial High School Lady Patriots basketball team on an outstanding and memorable
season, and upon capturing the Class 4A state championship.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Head
Coach Kenneth Dixon.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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