H.R. No. 1977
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The boys' basketball team from Amarillo High School
distinguished itself by advancing to the semifinals of the 2021
University Interscholastic League 5A playoffs; and
WHEREAS, After compiling an impressive record of 19 wins and
just three losses during the regular season, the Sandies embarked
on an exciting postseason run in which they defeated the teams from
Wylie, Bel Air, Andress, and Timberview High Schools to advance to
the regional finals; and
WHEREAS, Matching up against Mansfield Summit High on March
5, the Amarillo players trailed their opponents by three points at
halftime before taking charge in the second half; the Sandies'
inside play and rebounding sparked a 7-2 run to give them the lead
entering the fourth quarter; strong defense and clutch free-throw
shooting down the stretch secured a 60-51 win and punched the team's
ticket to the state tournament for the first time since 2014; and
WHEREAS, The Sandies faced the Kimball Knights on March 9 at
Angelo State University; the Amarillo players gave their all in a
tough battle, but they were narrowly bested by a final score of
60-56, ending the year with an impressive overall record of 24 wins
and four losses; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the season, the Sandies received
valuable contributions from each member of the roster: Owen Boyett,
Slade Simpson, Xa Landry-Britton, C. J. Nickerson, Drew Shafer,
Cooper Pillion, Braden Hausen, Brendan Hausen, Mason Graham, Cade
Hornecker, Damonze Woods, Chris Dees, and Javin Daniels; these
determined student-athletes were ably guided by head coach Jason
Pillion and assistant coaches Jacob Dawson, Benji Hausen, and Nate
Skelton, and the team also benefited from the contributions of
managers Trevor Williams, Jaxon Walls, and Preston Daniel and
trainers Jena Phillips, Josh Bowles, and Tayden Etheredge; and
WHEREAS, Demonstrating a combination of exceptional talent
and fierce determination, the Amarillo Sandies turned in an
unforgettable performance during the 2020-2021 campaign, and their
success is a source of great pride to their many supporters in the
local community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate the Amarillo High School boys'
basketball team on advancing to the 5A semifinals of the 2021 UIL
state tournament and commend the team's players, coaches, and staff
on a job well done; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Sandies as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Smithee
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1977 was adopted by the House on May
31, 2021, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House