HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4803, by Representatives Hankins and Delvin

WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to recognize excellence in all fields of endeavor; and

WHEREAS, The Kennewick High School Lions Basketball Team showed the highest form of excellence in winning the school's first Class 4A State Girls Basketball Championship after a thrilling 62‑59 overtime victory Saturday, March 11, 2000, over two-time defending champion, Prairie Falcons; and

WHEREAS, The Kennewick High School Lions Basketball Team compiled an amazing record of 29‑0 for an undefeated season, the first by a 4A school since 1993 and only the sixth all‑time; and

WHEREAS, The Kennewick High School Lions Basketball Team won the first state title in a girls sport in Kennewick history and the school's first in any sport since 1982; and

WHEREAS, The Kennewick High School Lions Basketball Team won the championship by stressing defense and a team‑first brand of basketball; and

WHEREAS, All five members of the Kennewick High School Lions Basketball Team starting unit were selected to the Tri‑City Herald's All‑Area Girls Basketball Team, senior forward/guard Heather Thoelke, senior post Heidi Mensinger, junior post Emily Faurholt, sophomore guard Autumn Fielding, and freshman forward/guard Leilani Mitchell, with Heather Thoelke being named the region's Most Valuable Player; and

WHEREAS, The Kennewick High School Lions Basketball Team Coach, Debbie Roueche, was named the region's Coach of the Year after guiding the Lions to their undefeated season and the state championship; and

WHEREAS, The Kennewick High School Lions Basketball Team demonstrated amazing skill and admirable sportsmanship in achieving these outstanding accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Coach Debbie Roueche and all the players share in the Kennewick High School Lions Basketball Team's success by combining outstanding coaching with outstanding playing; and

WHEREAS, All these extraordinary accomplishments could not have been achieved without the support and encouragement of all the students, cheerleaders, band members, faculty, staff, alumni, families, friends, community members, and fans who backed them all the way; and

WHEREAS, The inspiring individual and team achievements of the Kennewick High School Lions Basketball Team will always be remembered when commemorating their winning year; and

WHEREAS, The victorious Kennewick High School Lions Basketball Team is a source of great pride to all the citizens of the state of Washington;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington honor the Kennewick High School Lions Basketball Team for their incredible 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 Kennewick High School Lions Basketball Team Coach, Debbie Roueche, Kennewick High School Principal, Ken Surby, and Kennewick School District Superintendent, Paul Rosier.