TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE MULLINS HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A REMARKABLE SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2017 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is pleased to learn that the members of the Mullins High School girls varsity basketball team of Marion County took top honors at the state competition held at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia on Saturday, March 4, 2017; and

Whereas, amid the clamorous cheers of their exuberant fans, the Mullins Lady Auctioneers (Aucs) hit the scoreboards with a 62-50 victory over Christ Church Episcopal School, the twice-crowned defending Class A state champions, to claim the team's sixth overall state title, the first one since 1999, and to finish the season with an impressive 20-2 record; and

Whereas, following the 1-0 lead of the Lady Cavaliers from Christ Church in the opening salvo, their only lead of the game, Mullins fired off an 11-0 run and ended the first quarter with a 21-7 lead; and

Whereas, the Lady Aucs controlled the scoreboard by fourteen points when the teams took to the lockers for halftime, and in the second half of the championship game, their lead never fell below eight points; and

Whereas, the Mullins defense forced thirty-eight turnovers in the title match, fifteen of which were in the first quarter, a defensive onslaught from which the Lady Cavaliers never recovered; and

Whereas, Mullins had three leading scorers who posted double digits: sophomore Janell Sindab posted eighteen points with five steals and five rebounds; Brittani McDonald scored sixteen, and Serenity Hunt added fifteen and a game-high eight steals; and

Whereas, in a sport that demands strength, agility, and accuracy, Head Coach Myron Gerald and the team's skilled coaching staff capitalized on their own athletic ability and training to produce a championship-caliber team and teach these athletes to hit the backboards and press their way to victory, lessons that will prove invaluable through life both on and off the court; and

Whereas, a parade was held down Main Street in Mullins to honor the championship Lady Aucs on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, complete with a special program in front of the Mullins Chamber of Commerce depot so that family, friends, fans, and local officials could cheer on the home team; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the pride and recognition that the Mullins High basketball players have brought to their school and their community and look to hear of their continued accomplishments in the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Mullins High School girls varsity basketball team, coaches, and school officials for a remarkable season and congratulate them for winning the 2017 South Carolina Class AA State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Michael Stone and Coach Myron Gerald.