HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 99-4669, by Representatives K. Schmidt, Rockefeller and Dunn

      WHEREAS, Athletics is one of the most effective ways for girls and women to develop leadership skills, self-discipline, initiative, and confidence; and

      WHEREAS, The Spartans, a girls basketball team from Bainbridge Island High School in Bainbridge Island, Washington, on Saturday, March 13, 1999, won the Girls 3A State Basketball Championship in the Kingdome when it beat the girls basketball team of Meadowdale by a final score of 49-41; and

      WHEREAS, On Saturday, March 13, 1999, with the score tied 33-33 and just 6:55 remaining in the state title game of the Class 3A girls basketball tournament, Britt Themann scored thirteen of her game-high twenty-seven points in the fourth quarter, by making all the big shots, grabbing every important rebound, and making every free throw except one in those final moments, thus leading Bainbridge past previously undefeated Meadowdale High School from Edmonds, Washington; and

      WHEREAS, High school sophomore Alexis Kimball, displayed mighty athletic ability by dropping a deft baby hook that gave the Spartans a 13-9 lead after one quarter; and

      WHEREAS, High school senior Liz McCloskey sank a nineteen-footer to return the lead to the struggling Spartans at 16-15; and

      WHEREAS, Katie Chamberlin, dubbed the "Heart and Soul" of the Spartans, has shown great devotion to her team and the sport of basketball, cheering the girls on during the season; and

      WHEREAS, Britt Themann, Fab Rezayat, Alexis Kimball, Nicole Hebner, Liz McCloskey, Meghan Smith, Emily Pierce, and Jenny Ray, members of the Spartans, displayed team spirit, talent, and accomplishments that are a source of inspiration and pride to their families and coaches, and the students of Bainbridge Island High School; and

      WHEREAS, Coach Penny Gienger and assistant coach Korrie Beemer, through their sheer determination, hard work, and diligence, have become role models to the young women players of the team; and

      WHEREAS, As a result of the dedication of the team members and their coaches, the Spartans earned a season record of 24-2, and their first title since 1988;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize these young women and their coaches for their achievements; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to the members and coaches of the Spartans Basketball Team.

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

      Resolution 4669 adopted by the House of Representatives

                          April 14, 1999.

________________________________     _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk    Dean R. Foster Co-Chief Clerk