[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE BLANCHE ELY BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING ITS SECOND 
                 STRAIGHT CLASSIC 8A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 12, 2019

  Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Blanche Ely 
boys' basketball team and their coach Melvin Randall on their 57-52 
victory to claim its second straight Class 8A boys basketball state 
championship at Lakeland's RP Funding Center on March 9, 2019.
  Coach Randall's dedication to Blanche Ely High School and its 
basketball program is truly commendable. Before the game, Coach Randall 
provided the team the same piece of advice he always does: ``piece by 
piece''. The All-USA Boys Basketball Coach of the Year and Broward 
County Sports Hall of Fame Inductee led his team by example, providing 
them with the courage, resilience, and wisdom needed to win.
  The Blanche Ely boys' basketball team would not be a success without 
their tremendous commitment to the sport. Senior Joshua Scott will be 
the first player in the program's history to win four back-to-back 
state titles. Aderes Stanton-McCray also was critical to his team's 
win. His block brought the team back into the lead in what Coach 
Randall described as the ``play of the game''.
  I would also like to recognize the entire Tiger basketball team, 
which includes: Tyrecke Francois, Jayden Fye, Daniel Merrius, Eric 
Guerrier, Aderes Staton-McCray, Javier Zapata, Jeremiah Mathieu, Jair 
Copeland, Derrick Lovett, Joshua Scott, Malachi Hazelton, Lance Rainer, 
Javon Williams, Lamont Evans, Colby King, and Bryson Williams.
  Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Principal Dr. Karlton 
O. Johnson for his outstanding leadership of Blanche Ely High School, 
as well as Coach Melvin Randall, and the entire Blanche Ely boys' 
basketball team. They had a tremendous season and should be extremely 
proud of themselves. I wish the Blanche Ely High School and their 
basketball program many more years of continued success.

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