[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE DILLARD HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS' BASKETBALL TEAM ON THEIR 
                     THIRD CONSECUTIVE STATE TITLE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 7, 2012

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
the Lady Panthers girls' basketball team of Dillard High School in Fort 
Lauderdale, Florida on their recent state championship. Once again, 
under the inspiring leadership of Coach Marcia Pinder, the women's 
varsity basketball team won the Class 5A state title. The game was hard 
fought on both sides but even under intense pressure, the women of 
Dillard High persevered to defeat St. Johns Bartram Trail. With staunch 
defense and discipline, this team made history by clinching their third 
consecutive state title and seventh title overall.
  Capping off a 26 4 season, the title recently secured by the Dillard 
team is truly special. This third consecutive state title is a record 
for Dillard High, and makes their winning streak the second longest in 
Broward history and one title away from tying the County record of four 
consecutive titles. Furthermore, with their seventh state championship 
overall, the Lady Panthers hold the record for the most titles held by 
any girls' basketball program in Broward County, and makes them the 
second most winningest team in the State. Furthermore, they are just 
one championship behind the current record holders Jacksonville 
Ribault.
  It should also be noted that all seven championships have come under 
the leadership of Coach Marcia Pinder, whose 804 175 record makes her 
the all-time winningest basketball coach overall in Florida's history. 
Following this recent championship, Coach Pinder was named the 2012 
Russell Athletic/Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) National 
High School Coach of the Year. She will be honored at the 2012 WBCA 
High School All-American Game that is played in conjunction with the 
NCAA Women's Final Four in Denver, Colorado on March 31, 2012.
  I would like to take the time to honor each player and coach who, 
along with Coach Pinder, made this record-setting win possible. The 
Championship Lady Panthers are: LaQuacious Adams, Alliyah Anderson, 
Shatorria Baker, Demetria Brown, Jo' Coretah Clayton, Brianna Green, 
Amber Hanna, Dominique Harris, Kareese Johnson, Jessica Jones, Macy 
Keen, Courtney Parson, Tiara Walker, and Kayla Wright. The Lady 
Panthers and Coach Pinder and their championship season were also 
supported by assistant coaches: George Adams, Brandon Adams, Tonia 
Adams, Tania Miller, Evelyn Powers, Enewetok Ramsey, and Chanell 
Washington. I would also like to recognize Dillard High Principal 
Casandra D. Robinson and Athletic Director Tracie Latimer, without whom 
the girls' basketball program would not be given the support it rightly 
deserves.
  Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud of the Lady Panthers, Coach Pinder, 
and all of their supporters who every year continue to push the bounds 
for what is possible within their sport. I am truly honored to 
represent such gracious sportswomen, and look forward to next season 
where I hope to see the Lady Panthers tie both the Broward County's 
record for most consecutive championships and Florida's record for most 
titles overall.

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