A house RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE THE IRMO HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR CAPTURING THE 2023 CLASS AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND TO HONOR THE TEAM'S EXCEPTIONAL PLAYERS, COACHES, AND STAFF.

Whereas, fully resolved to take home the gold, the Irmo High School boys basketball team crowned an outstanding season by netting the 2023 Class AAAA State Championship title, defeating Lancaster 58-45 on Thursday March 2, 2023, at the University of South Carolina Aiken Convocation Center; and

Whereas, it was the sixth state championship title for the Irmo boys basketball program, all six having been earned under Head Coach Tim Whipple, who also has led the Yellow Jackets to eleven state championship appearances in his forty-plus years as head coach. This sixth title win was his 843rd victory; and

Whereas, Irmo used a dominant first half on its way to the crown. Madden Collins led Irmo with 16 points while A.J. Brand added 15. Center Brandon Crawford had 12 points, 14 rebounds, and six blocked shots. It was Crawford's return to the lineup that was a big catalyst to Irmo's postseason run, culminating in another championship. The senior, whom Whipple called the most dominant big man he has ever coached, missed three weeks with mononucleosis; and

Whereas, Crawford was held in check in the first half, but Brand and Collins picked up the scoring slack. The two guards combined for 18 points as the Yellow Jackets jumped out to a 32-9 halftime lead and quieted the large contingent of Bruin fans decked out in yellow T-shirts. Lancaster eventually started to make shots, but the deficit was too much to overcome; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives takes great pleasure in recognizing the young men of the Irmo High School boys basketball team for leading with excellence both in the classroom and on the court, and the members expect to hear of continued great achievements in the years ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate the Irmo High School boys basketball team for capturing the 2023 Class AAAA State Championship title and honor the team's exceptional players, coaches, and staff.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Kaaren W. Hampton, principal, and Head Coach Tim Whipple of Irmo High School.

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