Senate Resolution 61

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LANIER HIGH SCHOOL "BULLDOG" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR ITS OUTSTANDING 2001-2002 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE STATE 4A CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Lanier High School Bulldogs Boys Basketball Team finished the 2001-2002 season with a remarkable record of 34 wins and 5 losses; and

WHEREAS, the Lanier Bulldogs, ranked No. 5 in The Clarion-Ledger poll, won their 13th state championship, beating Picayune with a 77-73 victory at the Mississippi Coliseum before an estimated 6,000 sports fans; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the 4A State Championship, the Bulldogs won the Yazoo City Tournament, the Madison Central Tournament, the District Tournament and the North State Regional Tournament; and

WHEREAS, the Lanier High School Bulldogs have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Thomas Billups, who has broadened the Bulldogs' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution and has established his credibility as an outstanding coach by winning his fifth championship in only 11 seasons; and

WHEREAS, the team roster is as follows: Cordale Allen, Denauldo Bennett, Jonathan Blackmon, Tim Brown, Bobby Bryant, Brian Burns, Wesley Caldwell, Floyd Dixion, Jarenta Ellis, Monta Ellis, Flawaan Flaggs, Caleb Gaines, William Holley, Lester Hollins, Sean Johnson, Brian Jones, Chris McGee, Marlon Milton, Isaac Wells and Eric Williams; Managers: Robert Ghoston, Lawanda Griffin (stats), Sonya Love (bookkeeper), Neima Tillman (bookkeeper) and Sheena White (stats); Head Coach: Thomas Billups; and Assistant Coaches: Jonas James and Sylvester Kyles; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the winning accomplishments of this group of student athletes, who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we commend and congratulate the Lanier High School Bulldogs Boys Basketball Team and their coach, Head Coach Thomas Billups, for their phenomenal 2001-2002 season, for winning the Class 4A State Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to Lanier High School, Head Coach Thomas Billups and made available to the Principal of Lanier High School and the Capitol Press Corps.