To Recognize The Benton High School Panthers Boys' Basketball Team As The Class 5a State Champions.
Summary
SR 51 is a Senate resolution honoring the Benton High School Panthers boys’ basketball team for winning the Class 5A state championship on March 14, 2025, at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs. The resolution recounts the Panthers’ 58-57 victory over Maumelle, secured by a late layup from Terrion Burgess, and notes that the championship was the program’s first in basketball.
The resolution also highlights the team’s 31-3 season record, back-to-back Class 5A South Conference titles, a 32-0 conference record over two seasons, and multiple school records, including consecutive seasons with the most wins in school history. It lists team members, managers, coaches, and individual honors such as All-State, All-Conference, tournament MVP, and Coach of the Year recognition, and it directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to Head Coach Dexter Hendrix.
Impact
SR 51 does not change state law, create new programs, or appropriate funds. Its effect is ceremonial: it formally recognizes the Benton High School Panthers boys’ basketball team and records the General Assembly’s commendation in the Senate journal. The only practical action required is presentation of the adopted resolution to the head coach through the Secretary of the Senate.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the resolution is strongly positive and celebratory. The bill text is entirely laudatory, emphasizing the team’s historic first state title, exceptional season record, and individual achievements. No committee discussion or recorded votes are provided, but the content indicates broad, noncontroversial support typical of a recognition resolution.
Contention
There are no apparent points of contention in the available materials. Because the resolution is honorary and does not alter policy, the measure appears to be purely symbolic. The only substantive details are factual descriptions of the championship game, player honors, and coaching achievements, none of which suggest disagreement or opposition.