HR 858: Southwest High School Patriots Boys Basketball Team; outstanding 2024-2025 season and inspiring run to the GHSA Class A Division I State Championship; commend

House Resolution 858

By: Representatives Herring of the 145th, Jones of the 143rd, Griffin of the 149th, Washburn of the 144th, and Paris of the 142nd

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending the Southwest High School Patriots Boys Basketball Team for their outstanding 2024–2025 season and inspiring run to the GHSA Class A Division I State Championship; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the Southwest High School Patriots Boys Basketball Team completed an extraordinary 2024–2025 season, achieving a remarkable 27–3 record and earning a place among Georgia's elite teams, ranked 32nd in the state according to MaxPreps; and

WHEREAS, under the steadfast leadership of Head Coach Monquencio Hardnett, the Patriots demonstrated determination, resilience, and unity, making the deepest playoff run in 36 years for the program and reaching the GHSA Class A Division I State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Patriots entered the state championship game riding an impressive 13-game winning streak, highlighted by a thrilling triple-overtime victory over Dublin to capture the Region 2-A Division I Championship, a testament to their perseverance and dedication; and

WHEREAS, the team was led by a talented and selfless group who together forged a strong brotherhood on and off the court, embodying the values of teamwork, hard work, and sportsmanship; and

WHEREAS, the entire roster and staff of the Southwest Patriots, whose names and efforts contributed to this historic season, includes Chase Dupree #0, Brandon Ashley #4, Caron Howard #1, Tyshawn Brantley #3, Neikovain Iverson #10, Rinaldo Callaway #5, Octavius Raglin #2, Montese Green #32, Johnathan Hurley #12, Kyle Jefferson #23, A'Javion Wilson #11, A'Mari Sparks #21, and Jamarcus West #55; and

WHEREAS, the coaching and support staff includes Head Coach Monquencio Hardnett; Assistant Coaches Mike Hardnett, Tobias Seldon, Mike Walker, and Nicholas Hargrove Jr.; Principal A. Bernard Young; and Athletic Director Joseph Dupree Jr.; and

WHEREAS, through tireless dedication, including off-season training and a commitment to daily improvement, the Patriots exemplified the spirit of excellence and unity, driven by the motto that success is built through effort, family, and belief in one another; and

WHEREAS, this historic team has inspired their school, alumni, and community, rekindling the storied tradition of Southwest basketball and setting an example of what can be achieved through leadership, focus, and discipline; and

WHEREAS, Coach Hardnett and his players have made an indelible mark on the legacy of Southwest High School, demonstrating that "Southwest is back" and that the foundation has been laid for continued success in the years to come.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body commend and congratulate the Southwest High School Patriots Boys Basketball Team for their outstanding achievements, their inspiring run to the state championship, and for representing their school and community with honor and pride. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Head Coach Monquencio Hardnett and the Southwest High School Patriots Boys Basketball Team.