Assemblywoman Russell visited Heuvelton Central School on Friday and presented team members with certificates marking their accomplishment.
Heuvelton edged Panama 62-60 last month to repeat as the New York State Class D champions. They defeated Eldred 59-45 in the state semis and have won 31 straight games dating back to the title run in the 2014-15 season.
Team members include Paige McCormick, Nathalie Barr, Madison McCormick, Alexandria Steele, Kristi Donnelly, Kaden Mack, Carin Sherwood, Karina Warren, Hannah Thornhill, Paige Weston, Jaelin Calkins, Gabrielle Johnson, Alyssa Johnson, Eliza Martin, Natchaya "Pattie" Paramesthanakom and Kelsey Williams. The Bulldogs are coached by Rob Powers and Austin Weakfall. Lara Martin was the team's manager this season.
"I want you to know what you ladies have accomplished is amazing. I hope you understand it is a very significant achievement. It takes a whole lot of strength and tenacity to be a state champion. You know you can dig deeper. That strength will now put you on a trajectory that is much steeper than your peers," Assemblywoman Russell told the players.
She said the players have shown they have ability to perform at their best and stay focused in games with the most pressure.
"You ladies blow me away. You have figured out how to work with each other toward the same goal, dig down and make it happen. You are more than just girls from a small town. You are state champions. I expect great things out of you," she noted.
"This is a skill set you have that most other people don't have; skills that will help you be leaders down the road. It will transcend the success you have had in high school athletics into your professional lives," according to Assemblywoman Russell.
IN THE PHOTOS:
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell told members of the Heuvelton girls' basketball team that they have demonstrated by their prowess on the basketball court that they have the character and skill sets necessary to go out and conquer the world in their future pursuits.
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell visited Heuvelton Central School and presented certificates to members of the school's Class D state champion girls' basketball team. The Bulldogs repeated as the Class D state champions this season. Pictured are, front row (l-r): Natchaya "Pattie" Paramesthanakom, Kedan Mack, Hannah Thornhill, Nathalie Barr, Gabrielle Johnson, Jaelin Calkins and Alexandria Steel. Back row: Kelsey Williams, Paige Weston, Kristi Donnelly, Madison McCormick, Paige McCormick, Assemblywoman Russell, Karina Warren, Alyssa Johnson, Eliza Martin and Carin Sherwood.
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell presents a certificate to Heuvelton senior Nathalie Barr, one of several two-time state champions on the Bulldogs' girls' basketball team.