WHEREAS, It is the policy of the legislature to honor excellence in every field of endeavor; and
     WHEREAS, The Republic Tigers Boys' Basketball Team proved their excellence this season by an incredible achievement; and
     WHEREAS, The Republic Tigers Boys' Basketball Team's twelve young heroes showed real heart when they won the Boys' State B Basketball Tournament by kicking the Wahkiakum Mules 65-43 in the final championship game; and
     WHEREAS, The Republic Tigers Boys' Basketball Team, with an overall record of 28-1 for the season, dominated State B play this year running its winning streak to 26 games and ending the 22-game winning streak of the Mules who had an overall record of 24-3 for the season; and
     WHEREAS, The Republic Tigers Boys' Basketball Team has no seniors this year which would probably have made their winning streak even a lot longer and bodes well for next season; and
     WHEREAS, The Republic Tigers Boys' Basketball Team members all had an outstanding season and final game, including sophomore star, Zach Gianukakis, who had a game-high 20 points; sophomore point guard, Tyler Orestad, who had 15 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals; 6-foot-6 junior, Kyle Lehn, who was a presence inside with seven points; Gaeb Giddings and freshman reserve, Derek Gianukakis, who combined for 13 points and six blocked shots; junior, Aaron Michel, who had six points, five boards, two assists, and one steal; and fellow teammates, Drake Graham, Adam Hancock, Phin Hodges, Kaban Lehn, John Lewison, and Todd Orestad, who together combined their exceptional skills, desires, and enthusiasm to win the championship; and
     WHEREAS, The Republic Tigers Boys' Basketball Team Coach, John Gianukakis, and Assistant Coach, Seth Krohn, showed amazing skill and motivation in leading this young team to the heights of State B Basketball; and
     WHEREAS, The Republic Tigers Boys' Basketball Team has been able to beat bigger teams numerous times over the season having excellent depth and outstanding ability to shoot the ball, being an outstanding transition team, and never giving up but gathering themselves together to do what needs to be done as a team when crunch time comes; and
     WHEREAS, The Republic Tigers Boys' Basketball Team Members and Coaches exemplify the success that is possible when clear goals are established and persistent effort is made toward those goals;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington recognize and honor the Republic Tigers Boys' Basketball Team for their dedication, sacrifice, and hard work in achieving this significant accomplishment; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington recognize and honor the Republic Tigers Boys' Basketball Team Coaches for their dedication, sacrifice, and leadership in achieving this significant accomplishment; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington recognize and honor the parents, families, classmates, teachers, and community members of the Republic Tigers Boys' Basketball Team Members and Coaches for the important part they played in helping this team excel and achieve their goals; 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 Coaches and Team Members of the Republic Tigers Boys' Basketball Team, to Nancy Giddings, Principal of Republic High School, and John Glenewinkel, Superintendent of the Republic School District.