[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3961]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING A.H. PARKER HIGH SCHOOL AS ALABAMA'S CLASS 5A STATE BASKETBALL 
                             CHAMPIONS 2014

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2014

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, continuing in the tradition of 
the ``District of Champions,'' I rise today to honor the A.H. Parker 
High School Thundering Herd on winning the 2014 State of Alabama title 
in the 5A State Basketball Championship--the first state title since 
1975. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, I pay tribute to the 
Thundering Herd for their exemplary athleticism and teamwork as well as 
the outstanding leadership of Head Coach Reggie McGary and his coaching 
staff. We are extremely proud of these young men!
  Parker's championship victory capped off an extraordinary season of 
23 wins and 6 losses. Coach McGrary credited his team's success to the 
leadership of his assistant coach, Randal Smith. According to McGary, 
Smith's persistence in stressing the importance of defense was the 
team's key to victory. Throughout the championship game, Smith demanded 
that his defensive players bring their best to the court.
  To earn their spot in the championship game, Parker High School 
dominated their opponents during the Steele City Invitational 
Tournament last December. The Thundering Herd faced its rival Ramsay 
High School to clinch the state title on March 1, 2014. During the 
championship game, the thundering herd played with the same skill and 
intensity that sustained them throughout the season. The team was 
celebrated for their consistent ability to defensively shutdown their 
opponents. Their strategy was no different when they competed for the 
state title as the Thundering Herd held Ramsey to just six points 
during the third quarter.
  Although the team trailed 23-20 with 2:17 left in the first half, 
they would not allow their opponent to score again until the end of the 
third quarter. Senior Marquell Olivier led Parker with 15 points and 
nine rebounds while Omani Williams served as a defensive force for the 
team. Alontae Johnson also contributed nine points to the Thundering 
Herd's 56-46 victory. The win occurred on the 50th anniversary of the 
Thundering Herd's 1964 National Black High School Championship won at 
Tennessee State University.
  As the daughter of a high school basketball coach, I know this 
decisive victory is the result of the tremendous efforts of both the 
players and coaching staff of A.H. Parker High School. The exemplary 
leadership and dedicated support from the coaching staff was a major 
factor in the success of the Thundering Herd. I commend Head Coach 
Reggie McGary and assistant coach Randal Smith and I am so proud of all 
they have accomplished.
  On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama and 
this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
accomplishments of the A.H. Parker High School Boys Basketball Team for 
their victory in the Class 5A Alabama State Championship.
  Congratulations! Go Bisons!

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