J 599: Congratulating the Shaker High School Boys Basketball Team upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA Class AAA Championship on March 21, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 599 BY: Senator ASHBY CONGRATULATING the Shaker High School Boys Basketball Team upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA Class AAA Championship on March 21, 2025 WHEREAS, Individual and team championships are highly sought after in high school sports; this Legislative Body commends rare athletic achievements and pays special recognition to those who pursue such excellence and become examples for the youth of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Athletic competition helps to enhance both the moral and physical development of young athletes, preparing them for the future by instilling in them the importance of teamwork, encouraging a standard of healthy living, and developing a sense of fair play and competition; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate the Shaker High School Boys Basketball Team upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA Class AAA Championship on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton, New York; to the praise and applause of their excited fans, the Blue Bison defeated the Port Washington team in a 55-50 victory to capture the coveted Championship for the first time in their program's history; and WHEREAS, Proudly donning the school's colors of blue and white, family, friends, and the community at large loyally and enthusiastically supported the Blue Bison throughout their journey as they ended their season with an impressive 23-3 overall record; and WHEREAS, In a sport such as basketball, which demands athletic prowess, speed, and agility, Head Coach Aric Kucel and his skilled coaching staff worked hard to hone the skills of this championship team, teaching these outstanding athletes lessons which will prove invaluable both on and off the court; and WHEREAS, Coach Aric Kucel and all the outstanding athletes on the Shaker High School Boys Basketball Team have clearly utilized dedication, determination and teamwork in providing a lasting contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of their school; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the members of the Shaker High School Boys Basketball Team: Kwame Boakye, Melvin Brown, Kieran Casey, Bless Demand, Will Hartman, Tye Mariano, Brandon Makoyi, Vincent Milano, Marcelin Mukendi, Sam Rayburn, Anthony Tleiji, and Ryan Church; Head Coach Aric Kucel; Assistant Coaches Vince Medici, Brian Hooks, Ryan Deguire, Matt Plew, and Austin Kendrick; and Manager Devon Trey Evans on their outstanding season and overall team record; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the Shaker High School Boys Basketball Team; Head Coach Aric Kucel; Assistant Coaches Vince Medici, Brian Hooks, Ryan Deguire, Matt Plew, and Austin Kendrick; Manager Devon Trey Evans; and Athletic Director Sean Colfer.