[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 56 (Thursday, March 30, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          OKAWVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 2016-17 BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2017

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the Okawville High 
School boys' basketball team upon finishing second in the 2016-2017 
Illinois State Class 1A Basketball Tournament. This is a remarkable 
achievement for the Okawville coaches, teammates, and community as a 
whole.
  The Okawville Rockets had an impressive year and an exciting 
tournament performance. The Rockets finished the regular season with a 
win-loss record of 32-4. By the end of the year, senior Noah Frederking 
led Okawville with the most rebounds in school history. Mr. Frederking 
also scored over 2800 points over the course of his high school career, 
making him the leading all-time scorer for Okawville and the entire 
Metro East area. The Rockets went on to win their regional games 
against Lebanon High School and Marissa High School. The Rockets 
followed that win by hosting two victories over New Berlin 'High School 
and Carrollton High School in their sectional games.
  In their state super-sectional game, the Rockets faced off against 
Menden Unity High School. After falling behind by 8 points before 
halftime, the Rockets looked to their defense to carry their comeback. 
The Rockets did not allow Menden Unity to score a single basket from 
the floor throughout the entire second half of the game, and rallied 
for an incredible win to take them to the championship game.
  Led by Head Coach Jon Kraus and Assistant Coaches Ryan Heck, Mike 
Frederking, and Jackie Smith, team members were Payten Harre, Josh 
Madrid, Caleb Frederking, Will Aubel, Logan Riechmann, Wyatt Krohne, 
Luke Hensler, Shane Ganz, Drew Frederking, Noah Frederking, Tyler 
Roesener, Payton Riechmann, Lane Schilling, and Kirklen Meier. Managers 
Max Aubel and Jarad Barnes also assisted the team throughout its season 
and playoff run.
  I look forward to watching their future successes in both their 
academic and athletic pursuits and wish them all the best in these 
endeavors.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Okawville Rockets on an impressive 
season, and I commend them for making the 15th district of Illinois 
proud.

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