89R18959 DSH-D By: Noble H.R. No. 601 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The Plano East boys' basketball team reached the pinnacle of success during the 2023-2024 season, winning the University Interscholastic League 6A state championship and concluding the year with a perfect 40-0 record; and WHEREAS, Following a dominant run through the regular season, the Panthers carried their momentum into the playoffs and dispatched Frisco Rock Hill, Dallas Highland Park, Allen, Fort Worth Eaton, and Keller High Schools to punch their ticket to the state tournament for the second time in school history; there, Plano East toppled Mansfield Lake Ridge 61-45 in the semifinals to advance to the championship contest; on March 9, 2024, the Panthers soundly defeated Round Rock Stony Point 53-41 and hoisted the trophy as state champions; and WHEREAS, With the victory, Plano East became the first 6A school to complete an undefeated season and win the state title; the Panthers also secured the No. 8 spot in the MaxPreps high school basketball rankings, which was the first Top 25 finish in program history; head coach Matt Wester was named the 2023-2024 UIL Coach of the Year, the MaxPreps National Coach of the Year, and the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches 6A Coach of the Year, among other accolades; and WHEREAS, Plano East was led by DJ Hall, the championship game Most Valuable Player, who was joined by Jordan Mizell on the 6A All-Tournament Team; the Panthers also received valuable contributions throughout the year from the other members of the roster: Rachard Angton, Narit Chotikavanic, Isaiah Brewington, Ethan Moss, Xavier Miller, Carter Buchanan, Jon Tran, Moustafa Aboulneel, Seth Romero, Izan Qazi, Amanni Koustakis, and Chima Chineke; these dedicated student-athletes were ably guided by Coach Wester and assistant coaches Michael Godwin, Chad Evans, Greg Thomas, and Jamie Smith; and WHEREAS, Demonstrating a combination of exceptional talent and fierce determination, the Plano East Panthers turned in an unforgettable performance during the 2023-2024 season, and their accomplishments are 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 89th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Plano East High School boys' basketball team on winning the 2024 UIL 6A state championship and extend to the players, to Coach Wester, and to all those associated with the program sincere best wishes for the future; 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.