H.R. No. 917
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Graford High School boys' basketball team once
again proved itself one of the finest in the Lone Star State by
winning the 2023 University Interscholastic League 1A state
championship on March 11 at the Alamodome in San Antonio; and
WHEREAS, During the regular season, the Jackrabbits dropped
just three games, and they claimed the District 21-1A title with a
perfect record against their league rivals; Graford advanced
through the playoffs with decisive victories over Nocona Prairie
Valley, Sulphur Bluff, Slidell, Gordon, and Huckabay High Schools
to reach the state tournament for the ninth time in program history;
in the semifinals, the team easily dispatched Benjamin High School
66-42 to claim a berth in the state finale; and
WHEREAS, Graford matched up against Jayton High School in a
thrilling championship showdown; the teams battled to a 41-all tie
at the end of regulation; in overtime, the Jackrabbits cranked up
the defensive pressure to triumph 49-44 and claim their second
consecutive state crown, closing out a storybook season with a
record of 37 wins and only 3 losses; and
WHEREAS, Championship game Most Valuable Player Colin
Roberts and Christian Shea were 1A All-Tournament picks for
Graford; the team also received significant contributions
throughout the year from the other members of the roster: Landon
Cobb, Nick Bloxham, McKennon Lemley, Cye Lemley, Reed Ferguson,
Connor Waters, Brad Lemley, Kamdyn Richardson, Jayden Welch, Noah
Perry, and Jess Lemley; these talented student-athletes were
directed by head coach Jeff Bell and assistant coach Jarod
Westmoreland; and
WHEREAS, By winning back-to-back state titles, the Graford
Jackrabbits have burnished their school's reputation for
basketball excellence, and they may indeed reflect with pride on a
job well done; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate the Graford High School boys'
basketball team on winning the 2023 UIL 1A state championship and
extend to the 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.
Rogers
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 917 was adopted by the House on April
14, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House