MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Lee

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING JONATHAN BENDER, ALL-STAR BASKETBALL PLAYER FROM PICAYUNE HIGH SCHOOL, FOR BEING NAMED MISSISSIPPI PLAYER OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, Jonathan Bender, All-Star forward with the Picayune Memorial High School Boys Basketball Team, has been selected as Mississippi Player of the Year for his outstanding 1998-1999 season; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan was named to the All-State Tournament Team for his excellence in the 1999 state tournament, an honor he also received in the 1996-1997 season; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan was named to the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Team and will play the Alabama All-Stars later this year; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan set a single game scoring record in the McDonald's All-American Game (31 points), breaking Michael Jordan's 18-year record of 30 points in the same event; and

WHEREAS, other individual honors include being named to 1st Team Parade All-American, McDonald's All-American Team, McDonald's All-American Game Most Valuable Player and to the Major Johnson Roundball All-American Team; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the outstanding accomplishments of this fine student athlete, who has brought honor to his school, his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Jonathan Bender, All-Star Basketball Player from Picayune Memorial High School, for being named Mississippi Player of the Year (1998-1999) and wish him continued success in his future athletic, academic and career endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Jonathan Bender and to the Principal of Picayune Memorial High School, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.