A resolution honoring the Detroit Shock on winning the 2006 Women's National Basketball Association Championship.

Mr. President, Saturday, September 9, 2006, was a great day for the Detroit Shock and for the people of Michigan. A crowd of over 19,600 at the Joe Louis Arena joined with the rest of Michigan in celebrating the Shock's

second championship win and a tense victory in the fifth game against the reigning champions, the Sacramento Monarchs.

In 2003, when the Detroit Shock came back after a difficult 2002 season to win the championship, it was the first time in the 7-year history of the WNBA that the championship title was taken by a team other than Houston or Los Angeles.

The finals were tense, as the Shock started off with a loss at the Palace of Auburn Hills, in Michigan on August 30, which they followed up with a 73 to 63 win on Friday, September 1. As the finals moved to the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California, the Shock suffered another loss in the third game. With strength and courage, the Shock beat the Monarchs 72 to 52 in an away win on Wednesday, September 6. With one game left to go, and the prospect of overtaking the WNBA reigning champion, the Shock moved into the Joe Louis Arena for the last game of the finals.

The heat was on as the Sacramento Monarchs led for the first half of the game and went into halftime with a 44 to 36 lead over the Shock. In the beginning of the second half, Deanna Nolan led the Shock to an 18 to 3 scoring run that put the Shock ahead for the rest of the game. The final two points were scored in the last seconds of the game by Katie Smith, with a 17-foot jump shot that made the Detroit Shock one of the very few teams to have achieved multiple championships in the WNBA.

The win over the Monarchs in the deciding game showcased the spectacular performances of the Most Valuable Player of the 2006 WNBA Finals, Deanna Nolan, who, with a total of 24 points, led the game in points scored; Cheryl Ford, who led the game in rebounds, recovered 10 rebounds in addition to scoring 10 points; Katie Smith, who scored 17 points; and the rest of the Shock teammates.

Each member of the Detroit Shock organization made meaningful contributions to the team's success, including players Jacqueline Batteast, Kara Braxton, Swin Cash, Cheryl Ford, Kedra Holland-Corn, Deanna Nolan, Plenette Pierson, Elaine Powell, Ruth Riley, Katie Smith, and Angelina Williams, as well as the Head Coach, Bill Laimbeer, Assistant Coaches Cheryl Reeve and Rick Mahorn, Athletic Trainer Mike Perkins, and the owner of the Detroit Shock, Bill Davidson.

This championship win marks the fourth professional basketball title for Head Coach Bill Laimbeer, including two as coach of the Detroit Shock and two as a player for the Detroit Pistons. This is the fifth championship title for Detroit Shock owner Bill Davidson's Detroit teams.

I know that my colleagues will join me and Senator Stabenow in congratulating the Detroit Shock on another spectacular championship win, and I know that the Shock will continue to be a source of pride for the people of the City of Detroit and throughout the whole State of Michigan.

Mr. President, I rise today to commend the Detroit Shock on winning the 2006 Women's National Basketball Association Championship.

On Saturday, September 9, 2006, the Detroit Shock won their second WNBA Championship by defeating the defending champion Sacramento Monarchs by a score of 80 to 75.

The Detroit Shock were able to celebrate the tenth year of the WNBA with an inspiring victory in the fifth game of the finals and secured their second championship in four years.

The attendance for game 5 at the Joe Louis Arena was over 19,600 people. The enthusiasm shown by the people of Michigan clearly demonstrate Michigan's strong support for the Detroit Shock organization and the determined effort of all of its players.

The Shock completed an incredible season! It was capped by spectacular performances in the deciding game by the WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player, Deanna Nolan, who scored a game high 24 points. Cheryl Ford, who had a game high 10 rebounds, in addition to scoring 10 points; and Katie Smith also contributed 17 points.

Head Coach Bill Laimbeer has now won four professional basketball titles, including two as coach of the Detroit Shock and two as a player for the Detroit Pistons. And the Detroit Shock owner Bill Davidson's Detroit. teams have won five championship titles, including three Pistons' Titles.

The Shock demonstrated superior strength, skill, and perseverance during the 2006 season and have made the City of Detroit and the entire State of Michigan proud.

I congratulate the Detroit Shock on winning the 2006 WNBA Championship and recognize all the players, coaches, staff, fans, and others who were instrumental in this great achievement.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 567, which was submitted earlier today.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid on the table, and any statements related thereto be printed in the Record.