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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING THE KENWOOD ACADEMY GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM ON THEIR HISTORIC STATE CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY
WHEREAS, the Kenwood Academy Girls Basketball Team cemented its legacy in the annals of Illinois high school sports by capturing their first-ever Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 4A State Championship with a decisive 65-44 victory over Palatine’s William Fremd on Saturday, March 16, 2025, at Illinois State University’s CEFCU (Redbird) Arena in Bloomington-Normal; and
WHEREAS, the Broncos demonstrated an unparalleled level of skill, perseverance, and synergy throughout the 2024-2025 season, culminating in a stellar 35-3 record and solidifying their standing as the premier team in the State; and
WHEREAS, under the astute and inspirational leadership of Head Coach Andre Lewis, along with Assistant Coaches Ky Gavin, Adrian McDaniel, Demon Page, Billy Survillion, Kimmey Barksdale, and Beverly Chick, the Kenwood Academy Girls Basketball Team exhibited extraordinary tenacity, fortitude, and discipline, executing a commanding 14-2 fourth quarter run to decisively claim their championship title; and
WHEREAS, senior point guard Danielle Brooks, who amassed a game-high 24 points, and senior small forward London Walker-George, who contributed 19 points along with exemplary defensive efforts, displayed exceptional performances significantly propelling the Broncos to victory; and
WHEREAS, the team’s defensive intensity proved instrumental in neutralizing Fremd’s offensive threats, particularly in the final quarter, underscoring the Broncos' unwavering commitment to excellence and competitive rigor; and
WHEREAS, despite challenges such as key players encountering foul trouble, the Broncos maintained composure and resolve, with senior guard Ariella Henigan emerging as a linchpin of leadership and motivation for her teammates; and
WHEREAS, this historic championship represents not only a landmark achievement for Kenwood Academy but also an indelible source of pride for its students, faculty, alumni, and the entire Kenwood community; and
WHEREAS, the Kenwood Academy Girls Basketball Team’s historic triumph is a testament to the collective dedication of its outstanding roster, including players Danielle Brooks, Icesis Thomas, Amillya Henigan, Ariella Henigan, Jade Hamilton-Gill, Makayla Triplett, Emmarie Leonard-Collins, Danielle Waddy, London Walker-George, Logan Ramsey, Diann Jackson, Journey Stanford, Kyndall Burgess, Indiah Zarbock, and Shalia Poole; and
WHEREAS, the team's success was also made possible by the invaluable contributions of their support staff, including statisticians Josefina Kitson, Laila Love, and Laila Richardson-Jenkins; and
WHEREAS, the Broncos’ victory serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of student-athletes at Kenwood Academy, epitomizing the virtues of perseverance, teamwork, and academic-athletic excellence;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners formally extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Kenwood Academy Girls Basketball Team, Head Coach Andre Lewis, the coaching staff, and all players for their extraordinary and historic achievement in winning the 2025 IHSA Class 4A State Championship; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that an official copy of this Resolution be entered into the permanent records of the Office of Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry, 3rd District, and the Office of the Cook County Board President, to the Kenwood Academy Girls Basketball Team as an enduring tribute to their remarkable success and to commemorate this momentous occasion in Cook County history.
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