Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) congratulated Mount Vernon High School for winning the New York State Federation Tournament of Champions Class AA.  Rep. Engel spoke on the Floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 to congratulate the Knights for the championship.  His remarks for the Congressional Record are included below, and the speech can be view here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu9-X6LDXQQ

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MOUNT VERNON HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

March 29, 2011

Mr. Speaker--

I rise to congratulate the Mount Vernon Knights high school basketball team for winning the New York State Federation Tournament of Champions Class AA. They beat Christ the King from New York City, the winner of last year’s championship, 84-78 in overtime on Sunday in Albany.

Jabarie Hinds led his team with 14 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter and overtime to earn MVP honors as Mount Vernon won its fifth state Federation title in program history.

Congratulations also to Coach Bob Cimmino on his fourth championship. His team won their last 10 games and snapped the 12-game winning streak of Christ the King.

Mount Vernon showed its grit and determination by coming back after being down 20-11 after one quarter and 33-28 at the half. The Knights took the lead with less than one minute in regulation and never trailed after that.

Other high scorers for Mount Vernon were Khalid Samuels with 21 points and Isaiah Cousins with 12.

Mount Vernon, representing the Public High School Athletic Association in Westchester, got to the title game with a 70-63 win over Boys and Girls High School of New York City in Saturday's semifinal round.

Congratulations to these players and their coach. While March Madness has gripped the rest of the nation, in Mount Vernon we are very proud of our Knights.  I am sure these champions have a bright future, and will look back proudly at their accomplishment in the years to come.

###