Senate Resolution No. 708 BY: Senator WEBER CONGRATULATING the Tappan Zee High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA Basketball Class A Championship on March 18, 2023 WHEREAS, Individual and team championships are highly sought after in high school sports; this Legislative Body commends rare athletic achievements and pays special recognition to those who pursue such excellence and become examples for the youth of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Athletic competition helps to enhance both the moral and physical development of young athletes, preparing them for the future by instilling in them the importance of teamwork, encouraging a standard of healthy living, and developing a sense of fair play and competition; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate the Tappan Zee High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team upon the occasion of capturing the 2023 NYSPHSAA Basketball Class A Championship; and WHEREAS, To the praise and applause of their excited fans, the Dutchmen defeated the Irondequoit High School Somers in a decisive 49-36 victory, on Saturday March 18, 2023, at Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls, New York; and WHEREAS, Heading into the championship game strong, Tappan Zee advanced to the finals after a 58-48 win against New Hartford; and WHEREAS, The champions went into the final round with a focused and determined attitude, and played an amazing game, with an especially strong defense; the leading scorers were Sean Berrigan, with 20 points and six rebounds, Jack Maloney, with 18 points and five rebounds, and Tommy Linehan with 11 points; and WHEREAS, Proudly donning the school's colors of red and white, family, friends, and the community at large loyally and enthusiastically supported the Dutchmen throughout their journey as they ended their season with an impressive 26-2 overall record; and WHEREAS, In a sport such as basketball, which demands athletic prowess, speed and agility, Head Coach George Gaine and his expert coaching staff have worked hard to hone the skills of this championship team, teaching these outstanding athletes lessons which will prove invaluable both on and off the court; and WHEREAS, Head Coach George Gaine and all of the outstanding athletes on the Tappan Zee High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team have clearly utilized dedication, determination and teamwork in providing a lasting contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of their school; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the members of the Tappan Zee High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team: Sean Berrigan, Tommy Linehan, Jack Maloney, Isaiah Leveille, TJ Tarpey, Billy Alexiou, Nick Lange, Xavier Leveille, Pat Linehan, Jack Piccione, Patrick Staker, Drew Dillon, Nolan Cook; and Head Coach George Gaine upon the occasion of capturing the 2023 NYSPHSAA Basketball Class A Championship on March 18, 2023; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the Tappan Zee High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team; and Head Coach George Gaine.