2012 -- S 2961

=======

LC02363

=======

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

____________

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING THE PROVIDENCE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL "KNIGHTS" BOYS

BASKETBALL TEAM ON WINNING THE 2011-2012 RHODE ISLAND BOYS DIVISION

ONE STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

     

     

     Introduced By: Senators Metts, Ruggerio, Paiva Weed, Walaska, and Pinga

     Date Introduced: May 17, 2012

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

1-1

     WHEREAS, In a Rhode Island Boys Division One basketball season filled with parity

1-2

and excitement, it was the Central High School Boys Basketball team who emerged victorious

1-3

and claimed the school’s first boys basketball state title since 1992; and

1-4

     WHEREAS, Comebacks, thrills, and exciting finishes filled the state tournament, where

1-5

the 5th seeded Knights of Central High School were able to keep their composure and navigate

1-6

their way through five exciting and close games to win the state title. They began their playoff

1-7

run by dispatching Central Falls in a 68-60 victory. In their second playoff game, the Knights

1-8

emerged from a half-time deficit to defeat Westerly in a thrilling 63-61 finish. In their third game,

1-9

they played arch-rival Classical High School 83-77 in overtime. After beating Rogers High

1-10

School 54-46 in the Semi-Finals, Central High School faced Hope High School for the State

1-11

Championship; and

1-12

     WHEREAS, In the State Championship, Central High School roared back from an 11-

1-13

point deficit to defeat Hope High School 66-59 and claim the 2011-2012 state title. Central High

1-14

School was led to victory by the phenomenal play all season of Rhode Island Gatorade Player of

1-15

the Year Senior Co-Captain Jarrell Lawson and by the incredible performance of Sophomore

1-16

guard Jerelle Washington, who scored 28 points and was as chosen Central’s Outstanding Player

1-17

of the Game; and

1-18

     WHEREAS, To win a state title, it takes more than just great performances by one or two

1-19

players. It takes an entire team dedicated to working tirelessly towards one goal, that of winning

1-20

the state title. Central High School could not have done so without the contributions of everyone

2-1

on the team, which, in addition to Lawson and Washington, included Co-Captain Daniel Mendez,

2-2

Brownell Dennis, Jeremy Guileen, Raikwon Rodrigues, Andres Brito, Marcus Mitchell, Steven-

2-3

Kolawole Ajao, Jouandi Perez, and Fabio Pimental. Central High School was also led by an

2-4

experienced and highly regarded coaching staff, including Head Coach Todd Keefe, Assistant

2-5

Coach Frank Rose, and Volunteer Tom Earl Connors; now, therefore be it

2-6

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

2-7

hereby congratulates the Central High School Boys Basketball Team on winning the 2011-2012

2-8

Rhode Island Boys Basketball Division One State Title; and be it further

2-9

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

2-10

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Central High School Boys Basketball Head

2-11

Coach, Mr. Todd Keefe.

     

=======

LC02363

=======

S2961