Bill Text: MS HR79 | 2018 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Hattiesburg High School Lady Tigers Basketball Team; commend upon winning their first ever MHSAA Class 5A State Championship.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2018-03-25 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR79 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2018-HR79-Introduced.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2018 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Watson, McGee
House Resolution 79
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE HATTIESBURG HIGH SCHOOL LADY TIGERS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH CARONICA DEBOSE JACKSON UPON WINNING THE 2017-2018 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION GIRLS CLASS 5A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, the Hattiesburg High School Lady Tigers Basketball Team reign supreme after finishing the 2017-2018 season with an impressive record of 26 wins and 6 losses, and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Girls Class 5A State Basketball Championship, their first title in the school's history; and
WHEREAS, throughout the state tournament games at the Mississippi Coliseum, the Lady Tigers played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, and in each game, their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first hustled onto the court until the final buzzer buzzed, as they outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered the Laurel Tornadoes 68-49 in the second round, the Neshoba Central Lady Rockets 48-38 in the quarterfinals, the Lafayette Lady Commodores 56-42 in the semifinals and the West Jones Lady Mustangs 48-47 in the championship game; and
WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Lady Tigers relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop the West Jones offense and outmaneuver their defense, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted "Gold Ball" Trophy back to Hattiesburg High School for the first time after so many close title games; and
WHEREAS, the championship game truly kept fans on their feet and the edge of their seats until the very end, and in the last 14 seconds of play, it looked as if West Jones, who had the ball and a one-point lead, would be crowned champions, but the Tigers were absolutely not going to succumb to defeat, so they fought to the very last second, and it paid off; and
WHEREAS, when West Jones tried to inbound the ball after a Hattiesburg turnover, Hattiesburg player Kenedi Walker made just enough contact with the ball to nudge it out of the West Jones' player's hand, and the ball landed at the feet of surprised and determined Chelsea Ulmer; and
WHEREAS, with just three seconds left on the clock, Chelsea picked up the ball, turned around, shot, and then swoosh, just like that, the hard work and dedication of the 2017-2018 Lady Tigers culminated into the first state championship for the Hattiesburg High School Girls Basketball Team and deservedly, an excited dog pile on the floor of the Mississippi Coliseum; and
WHEREAS, the 2017-2018 MHSAA Class 5A Girls Basketball State Championship Team is comprised of only talented athletes, and in addition to winning the coveted state championship, the Lady Tigers clinched the Region 7 regular season championship by going undefeated in district play and won the Region 7 district tournament championship, Terralyn Ulmer was named the Region 7 MVP, Melyia Grayson was named the best defensive player, and Coach Caronica DeBose Jackson was named the Region 7 Coach of the Year; and
WHEREAS, the Hattiesburg High School Lady Tigers Basketball Team has been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Caronica DeBose Jackson, who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game, refined their skills in execution, and helped each player realize her fullest potential both on and off the court; and
WHEREAS, Coach Jackson continues to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in her ability to produce high caliber players and plays and by the team's successful season; and
WHEREAS, the members of this team will carry the unforgettable memories they made along their way to championship status, whether it be the long hours in the weight room or the grueling practices, as well as the lessons of hard work, dedication and perseverance learned during this amazing season, throughout their lives as they are constantly flooded with the feeling of greatness that accompanies being a champion; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially that displayed by the Hattiesburg High School Lady Tigers Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student athletes and Head Coach Caronica DeBose Jackson, who have brought honor to their school, their community and to their state:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Hattiesburg High School Lady Tigers Basketball Team and Head Coach Caronica DeBose Jackson upon winning the 2017-2018 Mississippi High School Activities Association Girls Class 5A State Basketball Championship, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Hattiesburg High School, Head Coach Caronica DeBose Jackson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
