H.R. No. 1344
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Whitharral High School girls' basketball team
reached the pinnacle of success by capturing the University
Interscholastic League 1A Division 2 state championship on March 2,
2013, with a victory in the title game at the Frank Erwin Center in
Austin; and
WHEREAS, Finishing with a record of 38 wins and just 4
defeats, the Lady Panthers made a thrilling run through the
playoffs, during which they defeated Miami, Turkey Valley, Lenorah
Grady, Hartley, and Leakey High Schools to earn their place in the
state tournament final; and
WHEREAS, Matching up against Saltillo High School with the
championship on the line, Whitharral played with great composure
and consistency, trailing only briefly in the opening moments of
the game and building a seven-point halftime edge; Saltillo closed
to within three points with 5:31 left on the clock, but the Lady
Panthers' defense rose to the occasion, allowing just one basket
over the next four and a half minutes; on the other end of the floor,
the Whitharral athletes hit key baskets and free throws, and the
team pulled away to claim a 45-36 victory and the school's first
state crown in girls' basketball; and
WHEREAS, Taylor Moore, Mia Ochoa, and Maeci Scott all scored
in double figures in the championship game, and Ms. Moore and Ms.
Ochoa were joined by teammate Kalicia McCoy as All-Tournament
honorees; excelling with a true team effort, the Lady Panthers also
received significant contributions throughout the season from the
other members of the roster: Lexi Pinkert, Briana Magallanes,
Deborah Albus, Jade Barron, Kimberly Albus, Addie Grant, Brooke
Pendergrass, Abby Hoelscher, Lexie Wischkaemper, Emily Howell, and
Toria Cisneros; and
WHEREAS, These dedicated competitors were ably guided by head
coach Joshua Jourden and assistant coach Amie Albus; additional
support was provided by superintendent Ed Sharp, principal Carla
Kristinek, team managers Harlea Hoelscher, Aspen Keesler, Sara
Lopez, Hannah Scott, Jaela Jourden, and Joleigh Jourden, and
statistician Brian Martin; and
WHEREAS, Winning a state championship is the goal of every
high school athlete; the hard work and skill demonstrated by the
Whitharral players have enabled them to realize that dream, and
they will treasure the memory of this outstanding accomplishment
for many years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate the Whitharral High School girls'
basketball team on winning the UIL 1A Division 2 state championship
and extend to the team's players, coaches, and staff sincere best
wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
King of Hemphill
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1344 was adopted by the House on April
17, 2013, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House