[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3833]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING LANCASTER HIGH SCHOOL, TEXAS'S 2015 CLASS 5A STATE 
                          BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 18, 2015

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to 
honor the Lancaster High School Tigers for winning the State of Texas 
title in the class 5A State Basketball Championship on Saturday, March 
14, 2015. On behalf of all the proud residents of the 30th 
Congressional District of Texas, I stand with great pride to salute the 
Tigers for their unmatched athleticism, dedication, perseverance and 
teamwork. This victory is historic. The 2015 State Championship Team is 
the 100th basketball team in Lancaster I.S.D.'s history, and they are 
the first team to ever bring home this title to the great City of 
Lancaster.
  The Lancaster Tigers worked hard throughout the season in preparation 
for the challenge that awaited them in San Antonio, Texas. The Tigers 
entered the 2015 State Tournament on a remarkable 27 game winning 
streak. After a hard fought battle with the Clifton J. Ozen Panthers of 
Beaumont, Texas, the Tigers emerged victorious. The team was led by 
Senior Forward, Elijah Thomas, a Top 20 pick, who contributed seventeen 
points to the team's winning score of 59-47.
  The talented young men who make up Lancaster's remarkable team have 
assembled a fine record ending the season with 33 wins and only 4 
losses. Members of the team include: Junior Power Forward, Nate Morris; 
Senior Point Guard, Antwoin Portley; Junior Shooting Guard and Forward, 
JaColby Pemberton; and Junior Guard, Deon Barrett.
  This accomplishment is a testament to the inspirational leadership of 
Head Coach, Ferrin Douglas and his Varsity Assistant coach, Mr. Joseph 
Mayberry. Coach Douglas has built an impressive basketball program at 
Lancaster High School during his 9 year tenure. ``Coach Doug,'' as he 
is affectionately called, provides guidance that his players describe 
as crucial in helping them realize their potential both on and off the 
court.
  On behalf of the 30th District of Texas, I ask my colleagues to join 
me in celebrating the accomplishments of the Lancaster High School 
basketball team for their victory in the 2015 Texas Class 5A State 
Basketball Championship. We are proud of your accomplishment, and we 
share in the pride and excitement felt by the city of Lancaster, Texas, 
the Superintendant of Lancaster I.S.D., Mr. Michael McFarland, the 
Principal of Lancaster High School, Mr. Michael Showell and the entire 
school.

                          ____________________