[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E326-E327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING ST. JUDE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE AS ALABAMA'S CLASS 1A BOY'S 
                  STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS FOR 2014

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2014

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
St. Jude Pirates for capturing their second-straight victory in the 
Class 1A Alabama State basketball Championship on February 28th. On 
behalf of the 7th Congressional District, I congratulate the Pirates 
for the tremendous athleticism, determination and energy they displayed 
throughout their season under the resolute leadership of Head Coach 
Earl Taylor and his coaching staff.
  With their victory over Parrish, the St. Jude Pirates won their 
eighth Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) state 
basketball championship and tenth in school history. The Pirates 
finished their season with 24 wins and 5 losses. Throughout the season, 
the Pirates faced some of the state's biggest and best teams which 
helped to prepare them to perform at the regional and championship 
levels.

[[Page E327]]

  While Parrish scored the championship game's debut shot, the Pirates 
responded with incredible energy leading by 21 points at halftime. The 
Pirates' suffocating defense left the opponent scoreless for more than 
six minutes. The Pirates held Parrish to 37 points overall, tallied 8 
steals, retrieved 21 defensive rebounds and blocked four shots. 
Tournament MVP Jacob Winston finished the game with 21 points, 9 of 
which came from behind the 3-point arc. Winston grabbed 10 rebounds and 
Senior Andrew Rogers scored 18 points while LaDarius Brinson scored 10. 
Overall, the Pirates were 15-of-16 at the foul line.
  Winning the state championship reflects the combined efforts of the 
coaches, players and supporters. I would like to commend the team, 
Coach Earl Taylor and his coaching staff. Members of the team include: 
Darian Adams, LaDarius Brinson, Tommy Burton, Keondre Davis, Taylor 
McCurdy, Andrew Rogers, Roderic Scott, and Jacob Winston.
  At the conclusion of the game MVP Player Jacob Winston told 
reporters, ``We try to be a defensive-minded team, but all the dunks 
and stuff is just a result of that,'' he said. ``Coach Taylor's always 
taught us to play hard whatever's going on. The dunks and 3s come from 
defense.''
  St. Jude's has collected AHSAA state championships in 5 different 
decades with titles in 1973, 1977, 1985, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2013 and 
2014. The team also won two state championships as members of the AIAA 
before 1968. As the daughter of a high school basketball coach, I know 
the Pirates' success is the result of the combined efforts of not only 
the players and the coaching staff, but also the support of the St. 
Jude faculty and staff and the entire community.
  I am honored to represent such a talented group of young men, their 
dedicated coaching staff and proud community. As I declare the 7th 
Congressional District as the ``District of Champions,'' the St. Jude 
Pirates represents one of our very best. On behalf of the 7th 
Congressional District, the State of Alabama and this nation, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating the accomplishments of the St. 
Jude Pirates for their victory in the 1A Alabama State Championship.
  Congratulations! Go Pirates!

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