MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Walls, Carlton, Horhn, Jordan (24th), Simmons, Jackson, Blackmon

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING LATOYA THOMAS, ALL-STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, LaToya Thomas has been selected as the All-State Girls Basketball Player of the Year; and

WHEREAS, this is the second straight season, that LaToya Thomas has been selected as the Player of the Year on the All-State Girls Basketball Team; and

WHEREAS, LaToya Thomas will represent the State of Mississippi in the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game; and

WHEREAS, LaToya Thomas, regarded as one of the most prolific girl scorer in the history of the State of Mississippi, shattered the Girls State Tournament single-game scoring record by scoring 43 points against Tupelo in the semifinals; and

WHEREAS, during the 1998-1999 season, she maintained an impressive average of 31.5 points per game, sometimes scoring more than 35 points per game: 45 points against Clarksdale on November 3, 1998; 39 points against Lanier on November 9, 1998; 53 points against T.L. Weston on December 18, 1998; 51 points against Starkville on February 27, 1999; a total of 900 points during the 1997-1998 season; and a total of 1,054 points during the 1998-1999 season; and

WHEREAS, LaToya Thomas has garnered numerous honors: All-State Player of the Year 1997-1999, Sprint All-America 1998-1999, Gatorade Player of the Year 1997-1998, and Nike All-American 1998; and

WHEREAS, LaToya Thomas was selected as All-District four years straight; Dandy Dozen three years straight; North State All-Tournament Team two years straight, and Greenville High School Most Valuable Player 1995-1999; and

WHEREAS, LaToya Thomas has led her team to an unprecedented win-loss record of 33-2 and 34-3 during the 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 seasons; and

WHEREAS, LaToya Thomas is ranked as one of the top 25 players in the entire nation; and

WHEREAS, LaToya Thomas is considered as one of the best girls basketball players in the history of the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, LaToya Thomas is known for her dedication, determination, humility and strength of character; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Senate to commend the meritorious accomplishments of the youth of the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MISSISSIPPI STATE SENATE, That we do hereby commend LaToya Thomas for being selected as the All-State Girls Basketball Player of the Year and wish her continued success in her endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to LaToya Thomas.