[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 65 (Thursday, April 15, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING NORTHWEST INDIANA HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAMS

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                          HON. FRANK J. MRVAN

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 2021

  Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, as an avid basketball player, it gives me 
great pleasure to recognize the exceptional achievements of all of the 
high-school basketball players in Northwest Indiana this past year, who 
safely showed up and put in the effort during the challenges of this 
health pandemic. I also want to recognize the following high-school 
basketball programs from Indiana's First Congressional District who 
represented our region during Semi-State and beyond this past season. 
Those teams include the Crown Point women's team, the Gary West Side 
men's team, and the Kouts men's team.
  First, congratulations to the Lady Bulldogs of the Crown Point High 
School women's basketball team who won the Indiana High School Athletic 
Association's 4A State Championship on February 27, 2021. Special 
recognition also to Coach Chris Seibert who was appropriately named the 
2021 Girls Basketball Coach of the Year by our leading local 
newspapers, the Post-Tribune and the Northwest Indiana Times, and also 
Jessica Carrothers who was named the Northwest Indiana Times 2021 Girls 
Basketball Player of the Year. I am inspired by the camaraderie of 
their team and the demonstration of how their hard-work has truly paid 
off.
  Additionally, congratulations to the Gary West Side High School men's 
basketball team who won their Regional championship game to advance to 
Indiana's Class 4A Semi-State on March 20, 2021. The Cougars fought 
their way for every second, taking the game to overtime where they lost 
by a mere five points. I applaud Coach Chris Buggs, his coaching staff, 
and the men who gave it their all to the very end.
  And I also congratulate the Kouts High School men's basketball team 
for winning the Semi-State Championship for the first time in the 
school's history. The Mustangs competed in the IHSAA Class IA State 
Tournament on April 3, 2021, and ended their season with an overall 
record of 29-3. I applaud Coach Kevin Duzan and these young men for 
their successful season and the legacy they have left.
  These truly remarkable teams achieved great success during this very 
challenging year. For their skill, tremendous hard work, dedication to 
the game, and for representing our region, these outstanding young 
athletes deserve to be recognized and congratulated for their 
incredible seasons.
  Madam Speaker, please join me again in congratulating our basketball 
players on their achievements and for making all of Northwest Indiana 
and their schools, families, and communities so very proud.

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