[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE INDIANA GIRLS BASKETBALL STATE RUNNERS-UP OF 
             WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL IN SOUTH BEND, INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2008

  Mr. DONNELLY. Madam Speaker, today I congratulate the South Bend 
Washington High School Lady Panthers, the 2008 State Runners-Up in the 
4A girls basketball division.
  In their quest towards this title, the Lady Panthers compiled a 23-2 
record on the road to their third consecutive trip to Conseco 
Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Unfortunately the team faced a 
disappointing loss there, but they can still be proud of their reign as 
South Bend's premier girls basketball team.
  The South Bend Washington team consisted of 12 outstanding young 
women: Seniors Emily Phillips, Vanessa Wiley, Meagan Phillips and 
Shalana Murray; Juniors Skylar Diggins, Karis Phillips, Alandrea 
Pfeifer-Nailon, Takoia Larry and Rakeesha Lane; Sophomore Avante 
Newsome-Gunn; Freshmen Terran Scott and Alexis Macon.
  Head Coach Marilyn Coddens was assisted by Don Coddens. Officials 
such as Mayor Steve Luecke, School Superintendent Robert Zimmerman, 
Washington Principal George McCullough Jr., and Athletic Director 
Patrick Mackowiak lent support and encouragement throughout the season.
  The city of South Bend and the surrounding area rallied behind the 
Lady Panthers. In what has become a winter tradition on the West Side 
of South Bend, thousands of fans gathered to send off the team and to 
travel south for the big game where they made the event at the 
Fieldhouse feel like a home game.
  Again, I offer my congratulations to the members of the girls 
basketball team of South Bend Washington High School on their Semi-
State title and their fearless, spirited play at the Championship game.

                          ____________________