[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 68 (Thursday, April 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITION OF SIERRA PACIFIC HS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM

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                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2018

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Sierra 
Pacific High School Golden Bears Girls Basketball Team for their 
victory as California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division V 
Basketball Champions.
  The Golden Bears of Hanford, California defeated Lowell High School 
of San Francisco, California by a margin of 52-26 at the Golden 1 
Center in Sacramento, California. Their victory capped a 32-5 overall 
record for the 2017-2018 season.
  Starting varsity play in 2011, Sierra Pacific's basketball program 
quickly evolved from the upstart to champions. This season, the Golden 
Bears were undefeated both at home and in East Sequoia League play.
  Led by Head Coach Amy Bush and Assistant Coaches Heather Brasil and 
Victor Chavarin, Jr., Sierra Pacific High School was proudly 
represented by Cristina Avila, Haley Bettencourt, Kylie Brasil, Kalea 
Bush, Arianna Chavarin, Ciana Gonzales, Hailey Leslie, Celeste Lewis, 
Rose Miller, Alana Roberts, Kaylie Rocha, Annabelle Saavedra, Janae 
Tolbert, and Savannah Torres.
  I further congratulate players Kalea Bush, Haley Bettencourt, and 
Alana Roberts for their terrific performance this season. By the 
conclusion of the season, Miss Bush became the all-time leading scorer 
for the Golden Bears, earning 1,099 points.
  Miss Bettencourt, who is the second all-time leading scorer for 
Sierra Pacific, was awarded the Pursuing Victory with Honor Award for 
her performance and sportsmanship during the State Championship game.
  In the Championship game, Miss Roberts led Sierra Pacific in both 
scoring and rebounds, collecting twenty points and twelve rebounds.
  The success of the ladies of Sierra Pacific High School is an 
inspiration to our Central Valley community, their victory is a 
testament to the bonds of sportsmanship, dedication, and camaraderie.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in congratulating the players and coaches of 
Sierra Pacific High School Golden Bears Girls Basketball Team for their 
terrific athletic achievement during their 2017-2018 season.

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