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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E411-E412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN RECOGNITION OF THE NORTH KANSAS CITY HORNETS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
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HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Missouri
Class 5 State Championship won by the North Kansas City High School
Lady Hornets basketball team. Such an achievement is the result of
strong leadership and years of dedication by both players and coaches
alike. It is truly an honor to recognize this exemplary group of
athletes from the Fifth District of Missouri.
Claiming the State Title was the culmination of years of discipline
and hard work on the part of the entire Lady Hornets team. For the past
three years the Lady Hornets were the District Champions, and for the
last four years they were also the Suburban White-Division Conference
Champions, unfortunately falling short in the State Playoffs. However,
under the leadership of Head Coach Jeffery Lacy, this senior class was
not content concluding their high school careers with anything short of
a State Championship. The Lady Hornets' tremendous success this past
season--with twenty-nine victories compared to a mere two losses--was
the fruition of years of hard work and a ``never-give-up'' attitude
cultivated by these remarkable athletes and coaching staff during their
time at North Kansas City High School. It brings me great joy in saying
that their hard work paid off with a sound victory in the State
Championship on March 16, 2019.
Coming to Jefferson City this year, the Lady Hornets were pegged as
the underdogs to the high-scoring and hometown Jefferson City Lady
Jays. Despite the doubts, the Hornets remained focused on their
ultimate goal. They maintained a mindset of excelling, no matter the
obstacle, and marched through the State Tournament with an ``us-
against-the-world'' attitude. The Lady Hornets' road to becoming North
Kansas City's first female State Champions is a journey that has been
followed by the entire community, witnessing what is possible when a
group of individuals come together and dedicate themselves in pursuit
of a common goal.
[[Page E412]]
But, the great thing about athletics is they help to create
opportunities in other aspects of life. The Lady Hornets' success has
already paid off in a multitude of ways, opening doors for several
players. A number of them will continue their basketball careers, and
most importantly their education, at Division I universities such as
the University of Kansas. Whether they know it or not, they will take
with them the life lessons learned throughout their time at North
Kansas City High School and as a part of this team. With the North
Kansas City community, I look forward to seeing where each of these
players will go and how future players will develop under the
leadership of coaches like Jeffery Lacy and John West.
Madam Speaker, please join with me in celebrating the North Kansas
City Lady Hornets and the State Championship they have brought home to
Kansas City.
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