Governor Janet Napolitano headlined a list of dignitaries and sports celebrities who gathered on the Senate lawn in Phoenix to honor high school basketball championship teams from around the state.

“You are all very special people, blessed with an incredible opportunity, and incredible responsibility as well. Because you are champions, someone, somewhere, is watching you and wanting to be just like you.”

Those words of advice from Phoenix Suns Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin were aimed at the more than 150 high school basketball players attending the April 17 Celebration for Arizona High School Basketball Champions.

Griffen was just one of many dignitaries who took time from their schedules to attend the Monday morning ceremonies. Gov. Janet Napolitano was on hand to speak and have her picture taken with each of the 11 boys and girls teams that attended. Former NBA greats, Connie Hawkins and Mark West, now a Suns VP, were there… college coaches were there… and even the Suns Gorilla and Mercury mascot, Scorch, were there!

As the day closed, each player left with a Certificate of Appreciation signed by the governor.

“Helping someone get better, leading your teammates mentally and emotionally to a better place, working after practice with a player that is not your equal, can create a positive energy… a wave of goodness and light that can truly change lives.” David Griffin, Phoenix Suns VP.