K 428: Congratulating the Panama High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Class D Championship

 Assembly Resolution No. 428 BY: M. of A. Molitor CONGRATULATING the Panama High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Class D Championship WHEREAS, Individual and team championships are highly sought after in youth 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 Panama High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Class D Championship; and WHEREAS, The Panama High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team defeated Bridgehampton High School with a 78-69 victory on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena, winning the first State basketball title in program history and becoming the first school from Section VI to claim NYSPHSAA championships in boys' basketball and football in the same academic year; and WHEREAS, Proudly donning the school's colors of blue and white, family, friends, and the community at large loyally and enthusiastically supported the Panthers throughout their journey as they ended their season with an impressive 23-2 overall record; and WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by this team is due in great part to the efforts of Head Coach Ed Nelson and Assistant Coaches Josh Nelson and Chris Payne, skilled and inspirational tutors respected for their ability to develop potential into excellence; and WHEREAS, The hallmarks of the Panama High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team, from the opening game of the season to participation in the championship, were a brotherhood of athletic ability, of good sportsmanship, of honor and of scholarship, demonstrating that these team players are second to none; and WHEREAS, In a sport such as basketball, which demands athletic prowess, speed and agility, Head Coach Ed Nelson 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, The achievements of the Panama High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team in capturing the New York State Championship serve as a source of great pride and inspiration to their school, families, and the entire community, reflecting the values of hard work, unity, and perseverance; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the members of the Panama High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team: Alex Barmore, Bryce Hinsdale, Jordan Mescall, Wyatt Eggleston, Michael Horton, Carter Brink, Andrew Spiesman, Tate Catanese, Johnny Abers, Isaiah Burkholder, Brandon Hirsch, and Kolten Rhoades; Head Coach, Ed Nelson; and Assistant Coaches, Josh Nelson and Chris Payne, on their outstanding season and overall team record; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the aforementioned members of the Panama High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team; Head Coach Ed Nelson; Assistant Coaches Josh Nelson and Chris Payne; Managers Michael Spiesman and Wyatt Braun; and Scorekeeper Doug Hosier.