MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Gadd

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE ASHLAND HIGH SCHOOL BLUE DEVILS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 1996-1997 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. 

WHEREAS, the Ashland High School Blue Devils Boys Basketball Team finished the 1996-1997 season with an outstanding record of 36 wins and four losses; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Devils did very well in tournament play this year, winning the West Union Tournament, the Falkner Tournament, the Walnut Classic, the North Pontotoc Tournament, the Division Tournament, Class 2A North State Championship and the Class 2A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, many individual honors have been bestowed upon various team members in recognition of their fine, dedicated play, including the naming of Leon Crawford, Tavares Reaves, Quent Gillespie and Garrett Terry to the All North Half Tournament Team and the selection of Tareyton Mason, Quent Gillespie and Leon Crawford to the All State Tournament Team; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Devils have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Jon Ginn and Assistant Coaches Cortez Terry and Dwight Allen who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Devils players for 1996-1997 are Dewayne Jones, Tavarus Nesbit, Sidney Warren, Laprae Crawford, Tareyton Mason, Tavares Reaves, Dupree Crawford, Leon Crawford, Antonio Crawford, Quent Gillespie, Garrett Terry, Marcus Allen, Markietoe King, Willie Hamer and Eric Royston; the statisticians are Travis Hampton, Armein Brownlee and LaTravis Mason; the bookkeeper is Marcellus Jimmerson; the videographer is Nacomis Baird and the bus drivers are Joyce Abrams and Steve Bostick; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Devils have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude both on and off the court reflect a great credit upon the individual players, their families and their coaches and bring honor to Benton County and Ashland High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the youth of our state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Ashland High School Blue Devils Boys Basketball Team and their Head Coach Jon Ginn and Assistant Coaches Cortez Terry and Dwight Allen, for their outstanding 1996-1997 season, for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors and for winning the Class 2A State Championship.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ashland High School, Coach Jon Ginn, his staff and the team members.