A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE Gray Collegiate academy Boys varsity basketball TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A successful SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2024 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Gray Collegiate basketball team of Lexington County captured the state title at the state competition held at the Florence Center on Friday, March 1, 2024; and

Whereas, to the cheers of their exuberant fans, the Gray Collegiate War Eagles defeated a fine, competitive Oceanside Collegiate Academy by a score of 44-40; and

Whereas, Gray Collegiate was able to overcome a 13-point deficit in the first half and outscore Oceanside in the second half to garner their third consecutive state title and sixth in the last seven years; and

Whereas, in a season filled with many twists and turns as teams face realignment, the War Eagles played their final season in Class AA because in the 2024-26 South Carolina High School League realignment, Gray will be moving up to Class AAAA; and

Whereas, this was the second straight year that Oceanside and Gray, two charter schools, have competed against each other in the Class AA championship.  Gray won in 2023 by a score of 53-43 in Aiken; and

Whereas, the War Eagles are 8-0 all time against the Landsharks in boys basketball and 6-0 against them in championship games; and

Whereas, in a sport that demands precision, team work, and strength, Head Coach Dion Bethea and his skilled coaching staff capitalized on their own athletic experience, ability, and training to build a championship-caliber program and teach these athletes life principles that will endure beyond the court; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciates the pride and recognition that the Gray basketball players have brought to their school and their community, and the members look forward to following their continued accomplishment in the days to come. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Gray Collegiate Academy boys varsity basketball team, coaches, and school officials for a successful season and congratulate them for winning the 2024 South Carolina Class AA State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Brian Newsome, principal, and to Coach Dion Bethea.

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