[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 3] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 3500] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]CONGRATULATING THE INDIANA GIRLS BASKETBALL STATE RUNNERS-UP OF WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL IN SOUTH BEND, INDIANA ______ HON. JOE DONNELLY of indiana in the house of representatives Thursday, March 6, 2008 Mr. DONNELLY. Madam Speaker, today I congratulate the South Bend Washington High School Lady Panthers, the 2008 State Runners-Up in the 4A girls basketball division. In their quest towards this title, the Lady Panthers compiled a 23-2 record on the road to their third consecutive trip to Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Unfortunately the team faced a disappointing loss there, but they can still be proud of their reign as South Bend's premier girls basketball team. The South Bend Washington team consisted of 12 outstanding young women: Seniors Emily Phillips, Vanessa Wiley, Meagan Phillips and Shalana Murray; Juniors Skylar Diggins, Karis Phillips, Alandrea Pfeifer-Nailon, Takoia Larry and Rakeesha Lane; Sophomore Avante Newsome-Gunn; Freshmen Terran Scott and Alexis Macon. Head Coach Marilyn Coddens was assisted by Don Coddens. Officials such as Mayor Steve Luecke, School Superintendent Robert Zimmerman, Washington Principal George McCullough Jr., and Athletic Director Patrick Mackowiak lent support and encouragement throughout the season. The city of South Bend and the surrounding area rallied behind the Lady Panthers. In what has become a winter tradition on the West Side of South Bend, thousands of fans gathered to send off the team and to travel south for the big game where they made the event at the Fieldhouse feel like a home game. Again, I offer my congratulations to the members of the girls basketball team of South Bend Washington High School on their Semi- State title and their fearless, spirited play at the Championship game. ____________________