[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 20, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H1241-H1242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE PLANO EAST PANTHERS
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Malliotakis). The Chair recognizes the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Self) for 5 minutes.
Mr. SELF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Plano East
Panthers basketball team for their perfect season, going 40-0 and
capturing the program's first-ever division 6A State championship. This
was the Panthers' first State title in any team sport.
The Panthers, led by Head Coach Matt Wester, became the first men's
basketball team to go unbeaten in 6A, the highest level, amassing 40
wins by an average 22.7 point differential across the season. Each of
East's seven playoff wins came by double figures, amassing an average
margin of victory by 23.4 points.
In the State championship game, the Panthers only gave up 41 points,
which ranks as the eighth fewest points the team surrendered all
season. As the top-ranked Texas team and number three team in most
national polls, the Panthers claimed the first State championship in
school history, led by D.J. Hall's 18 points and six rebounds. Hall was
named the Conference Final Most Valuable Player.
In addition, Rachard Angton added 13 points and Jordan Mizell pitched
in 8 points and eight rebounds.
Through their display of teamwork and dedication, the Panthers made
both the city of Plano and the State of Texas proud. It will be
exciting to watch them next year and see if they can run it back.
Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Panthers on a remarkable season.
They were perfect.
Honoring Sergeant Nicholas B. Lovren
Mr. SELF. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor I rise today to
recognize Sergeant Nicholas B. Lovren of the Fairview Police Department
as he retires after 20 years of dedicated service in law enforcement.
Sergeant Lovren's steadfast dedication to serving and assisting those
in
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need has been a constant motivation throughout his career. His deep
understanding of the noble responsibility entrusted to him as a
guardian of the community was always evident.
Sergeant Lovren exemplified his commitment to protecting the
community during the May 6, 2023, mass shooting at the Allen Premium
Outlets, displaying exceptional bravery and professionalism in the face
of intense adversity.
His passion for his profession was recognized not only by his
colleagues but also by the community he served, as evidenced by
commendations and accolades throughout his tenure.
Beyond the call of duty, Sergeant Lovren is active in various
outreach programs in his community and is a devoted family man to his
wife, Lendsie, and their three children, Alice, Hunter, and Libby.
As he embarks on this new chapter of his life, I commend Sergeant
Lovren for his outstanding contributions to law enforcement and the
community, and I want to extend my congratulations and best wishes for
a well-deserved retirement.
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