2023 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 140
BY SENATOR HARRIS
A RESOLUTION
To commend and congratulate the George Washington Carver boys' basketball team and
coaches on winning their second straight state championship.
WHEREAS, having reached the state tournament for the fourth consecutive year and
the state championship for the third straight time, the G.W. Carver boys' basketball team was
determined to make another notable contribution to their growing legacy; and
WHEREAS, with a dominant defense, the Carver Rams seized the game's
momentum and exerted control over the Madison Prep Chargers, ultimately securing a
second consecutive state championship victory; and
WHEREAS, the Rams' back-to-back victories earned them the crown of the Division
II Select State Championship at the Burton Coliseum Complex in Lake Charles, Louisiana;
and
WHEREAS, the Ram's triumph was due partly to impressive performances by
six-foot-nine sophomore Daijon Leatherman who made consecutive buckets, pulled down
18 rebounds, and blocked four shots (one at the three-point line); his fellow senior teammate,
Ken'Wyion White, made impactive contributions by sinking three-pointers from long range
for 10 points, grabbing 12 rebounds and two assists, assented G.W. Carver dominance over
Madison Prep; and
WHEREAS, in the third quarter, the Rams managed to create much needed space
with a 14-2 run, allowing Leatherman and Hicks to contribute driving layups, while
Laurence Nathan displayed his scoring prowess with game-winning abilities at the rim; and
WHEREAS, fighting through a four-minute slump, the Carver Rams held back the
Madison Chargers to just 16 percent shooting with a strong defensive front, out rebounding
the Chargers with a 50 to 26 advantage, giving Nathan time to seal the game with three
clutch free throws; and
WHEREAS, the Carver Rams' powerful performance on the boards and by
out-rebounding the Madison Chargers set the defensive tone for the game; Daijon
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Leatherman and Ken'Wyion White acknowledged their coaches' prodigious guidance and
by trusting each teammate as key elements lead to their emphatic second consecutive state
championship win with a convincing final score of 34-25; and
WHEREAS, Jaylon Hicks, a senior for the Carver Rams, received recognition as the
Outstanding Player after scoring 10 points and gathering six rebounds; he shared accolades
with senior teammate, Ken'Wylon White, who finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds; and
WHEREAS, Nate Roche, the head coach of the Carver Rams, recognized the
collective contributions of his entire varsity squad and coaching staff who secured another
Class 4A championship; the roster of players includes Javan Anderson, Kendrick
Bartholomew, Romeo Brown, Jaylon Hicks, Daijon Leatherman, Laurence Nathan, Chesney
Sadler, Devinta Smith, Standley Waterhouse, Ken'Wyion White, and David Williams; along
with fellow coaches Devin Andrew, Keith Ballard, Rodney Bartholomew, Blair Brinson,
Nate Roche, and Chanel Roy; and
WHEREAS, the George Washington Carver Rams have become the second Orleans
Parish school to win two consecutive basketball titles with this 2022-2023 championship
win, painting their true testament to the values represented by their team mascot: pride,
determination, initiative, and leadership.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend and congratulate the George Washington Carver boys' basketball
team and coaches on winning their second straight state championship.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Jerel Bryant, principal of George Washington Carver High School.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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