88R24742 JRI-D
By: Menéndez, Campbell, Zaffirini S.R. No. 560
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The girls' basketball team from Clark High School in
San Antonio reached the pinnacle of success by winning the 2023
University Interscholastic League 6A state championship; and
WHEREAS, The Cougars began their journey to the title by
claiming the District 28-6A title, and they carried their momentum
into the playoffs, besting Clemens, Round Rock, Lake Travis, United
South, and Brennan High Schools to reach the state tournament at the
Alamodome for the second consecutive season; and
WHEREAS, On March 3, Clark faced off against Coppell High
School in what proved to be a thrilling semifinal showdown;
trailing 47-43 with just 15 seconds remaining, the Cougars first
converted a three-point play and then won the game on a clutch
three-point shot by Natalie Huff with one second remaining to
advance to the final; and
WHEREAS, Clark battled for the crown against two-time
defending state champion DeSoto High School on March 4; down a point
entering the fourth quarter, the Cougars dialed up the defensive
pressure to hold their opponent to just two points the rest of the
game, and they took control with accurate shooting from the field
and the free-throw line; when the final seconds ticked away, the
team cut down the nets in celebration of a 42-37 victory and the
program's first state title; and
WHEREAS, The Cougars were paced by Championship Game Most
Valuable Player Arianna Roberson, who was joined by Ms. Huff on the
6A All-Tournament Team; over the course of the season, the Cougars
also received valuable contributions from the other members of the
roster: Sydney Pritchard, Ramsey Robledo, Sarah Perales, Jadeyn
Perez, Bolu Odumosu, Raya Kolysko, Katherine Mika, Emily Lopez, Joi
Gonzalez, Kamryn Griffin, Manal El-Jabsheh, and Kaitlin Whitlock;
these determined student-athletes were ably guided by head coach
Rihana Houy and assistant coaches Michael Byrne and Jennifer Woods;
and
WHEREAS, Winning a state championship represents the
culmination of countless hours of hard work and an unwavering
commitment to excellence, and the Clark Cougars will treasure the
memory of this accomplishment for the rest of their lives; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby congratulate the Clark High School girls' basketball team on
winning the 2023 UIL 6A 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 Cougars as an expression of high regard by the
Texas Senate.