WHEREAS, the 20002001 Boys Basketball Team from Ozen High School in Beaumont Won the UIL

By DeshotelH.R. No. 997

R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The 2000-2001 boys basketball team from Ozen High School in Beaumont won the UIL Class 4A state championship with a convincing 58-42 victory against San Antonio Lanier High School, and this sterling accomplishment merits special legislative recognition; and WHEREAS, Head coach Andre Boutte and the rest of his coaching staff guided Ozen to the District 19-4A title and to a spotless 36-0 overall record this season; in addition, they had the Panthers ably prepared for their championship showdown against the San Antonio Lanier Voks; and WHEREAS, In the state tournament held at the Frank Erwin Center on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin, Ozen was led by tournament MVP Kendrick Perkins, who scored 17 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and recorded five blocks in the state title contest; moreover, this outstanding 6-foot-11 sophomore tossed in 31 points to help the Panthers defeat Hereford High School in the state semifinals; and WHEREAS, San Antonio Lanier was also overwhelmed by Ozen's stifling defense, which held the Voks to two points in the first quarter and limited them to 30.2 percent field goal shooting for the game; and

WHEREAS, The superb season would not have been possible without the important contributions from all of the team members, including Reginald Tyrrel, James Wilson, Desmond Cooper, Jason Breckinridge, Keena Young, Anthony Daigle, Kendrick Perkins, Michael Thomas, Javin Clover, Brandon Rideau, Tigee Rideaux, Jason Dabney, Tyrone Haynes, Thomas Sigee, Albert Marshall, Brandon Chappell, Allen Colbert, Wesley Bryant, Allen James, and Rayburn Morris; additional support was provided by assistant coaches Harry Gunner, Marquis Saveat, Harvey Bobs, Jr., John Clayton, Michael Ryals, Walter Yates, Jr., and trainer Shawn Klinger; and WHEREAS, For the players and coaches to complete such a magical season at Ozen High School, which is in its fourth year of existence and third year of competing in varsity athletics, is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and training; as the Panthers take great pride and satisfaction in their myriad achievements, it is indeed fitting to pay tribute to them; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the 2000-2001 Ozen High School boys basketball team for winning the UIL Class 4A state championship and extend to them sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Ozen High School boys basketball team as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.