HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 97-4644, by Representatives Ballasiotes and Wensman

      WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Legislature to honor excellence in every field of endeavor; and

      WHEREAS, The Mercer Island High School Islanders Boys Basketball Team won the 1997 AAA title; and

      WHEREAS, The Islanders Boys Basketball Team players are Elliott Prasse-Freeman, Josh Fisher, Matt Logie, David Huhs, Diron Mobley, Tyler Besecker, Seth Greenberg, Jamien McCullum, Andrew Engvall, Bryan Brown, Will Russell, and Ben Jordan; and

      WHEREAS, The Islanders, in their championship game, prevailed over a previously unbeaten team; and

      WHEREAS, The Islanders asserted consistently tough defensive pressure, holding their opponents to just eighteen baskets out of forty-five attempts; and

      WHEREAS, The Islanders have exemplified to their classmates the success that is possible in any field of endeavor when persistent effort is made; and

      WHEREAS, The Islanders are a credit to their community;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives honor and congratulate the Mercer Island High School Islanders Boys Basketball Team for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice in achieving this significant accomplishment; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Head Coach Ed Pepple and the Assistant Coaches Gary Patterson, Adam Ceteznik, Travis DeCuire, Kyle Pepple, Scott Didrickson, Lance Davenport, Principal Dr. Judy Smith, and Vice-Principal/Athletic Director Craig Olson be recognized for their leadership; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the teachers, classmates, and parents of the team members be recognized for the important part they played in helping these student athletes excel; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to each of the players and coaches of the Mercer Island High School Islanders Boys Basketball Team, the Principal, and the Vice-Principal/Athletic Director.

      I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

      Resolution 4644 adopted by the House of Representatives

                          March 31, 1997.

                 ________________________________

                  Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk