Congratulating the Varsity Basketball Team of Saint Joseph's Preparatory School for winning the 2004 Philadelphia Catholic League Championship.

WHEREAS, In a exhilarating finale to a memorable season, St. Joe's Prep Varsity Basketball Team skillfully defeated a talented Cardinal Dougherty team 84-61, in a fast paced game while a lively gang of Hawks fans looked on in the sold -out Tom Gola Arena on the campus of LaSalle University; and

WHEREAS, This victory is a milestone in Prep basketball history, because it is the second consecutive Catholic League title in as many years, and is only the seventh in the school's history; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership and guidance of Head Coach Speedy Morris and staff, the varsity basketball team capped of a near perfect Catholic League season at 16-1, and finished with the Catholic League's best overall record of 25-3; and

WHEREAS, The dynamic backcourt of Chris Clark and John Griffin led teammates Jared Black, Joe Fox, Paul Lynch, Antoine Joseph, Pat O'Toole, Sean Barker, Corey O'Rourke, Mike Kearney, Reggie Redding and Paul Lynch through an unforgettable history-making season; and

WHEREAS, This victory marked a milestone for Head Coach Speedy Morris, in that it was his eighth Catholic League Championship Title, as well as his 76th victory as head coach of St. Joe's Prep varsity basketball team in three seasons; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor the Saint Joseph's Prep Varsity Basketball Team for winning the 2004 Philadelphia Catholic League Championship.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to St. Joseph's Prep Varsity Basketball Team Head Coach Speedy Morris, further evidencing the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End