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.