County Council recognizes State Champion Rainier Beach Boys Basketball Team

April 8, 2013

Summary

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Lead by Council Chair Larry Gossett, the Metropolitan King County Council today recognized the members of the Rainier Beach High School Boys Basketball team, the winners of the State 3A Boys Basketball Championship.

The team, joined by Head Coach Michael Bethea and Athletic Director Tim Bursey, were congratulated by the Council for their 62–59 victory over the Lakeside High School on March 2.

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WHEREAS, the Rainier Beach High School Vikings Boys Basketball Team won the 2013 3A State Championship with a thrilling 62–59 victory over the Lakeside High School Lions; and

WHEREAS, under the leadership of Principal Dwane Chappelle, Associate Principal Dr. Sarah Talbot, Athletic Director Tim Bursey, and long-time Head Coach Michael Bethea, the Rainier Beach Vikings have established an extremely high standard of excellence by winning eight city, five district, and an incredible five state championships in boys basketball over the past 10 years; and

WHEREAS, the Rainier Beach Vikings completed their 2013 season with an impressive win/loss record of 26-4, and in recent years, has been ranked in the top 25 in Boys Basketball nationally; and

WHEREAS, the team consists of players Shaqquan Aaron, Naim Ladd, Elijah Foster, Djuan Piper, Fuquan Niles, Jordan King, Marquis Davis, KeiWaun Miller, Dejounte Murray, Ceque Williams, Wilfred Middlebrooks, Phillip Maxie, Will Dorsey, and Tyronne Cook; and

WHEREAS, the Boys Basketball Team, establishing academics before athletics, has graduated an impressive 98% of seniors over the past 10 years; and

WHEREAS, over the past 10 years, 65 players have moved onto Division I, II, and Junior College; at least one player has received a Division I scholarship each year during the 17 past years; and 70% of the players have received college degrees; and

WHEREAS, there are four former Rainier Beach High School Boys Basketball team members currently playing in the National Basketball Association;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council, recognize and congratulate the

2013 RAINIER BEACH VIKINGS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM

for the commitment, accomplishment, and teamwork they exhibited in achieving the highest pinnacle of excellence in high school basketball in the state of Washington.

DATED this eighth day of April, 2013.