House Resolution 111

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE H.W. BYERS ATTENDANCE CENTER LIONS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR ITS OUTSTANDING 2003-2004 SEASON.

WHEREAS, the H.W. Byers Attendance Center Lions Basketball Team finished the 2003-2004 season with a remarkable record of 28 wins and 9 losses; and

WHEREAS, throughout the regular season and playoffs, the Lions fought and defeated many well-contended teams, and finished their season as state runner-up for the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 1A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, in tournament play for the 2003-2004 season, the Lions had first finishes in the H.W. Byers Tournament, Region 2 Division 1, Division 1 North Half and the team was state runner-up in Division 1; and

WHEREAS, many individual honors have been bestowed upon various team members in recognition of their fine, dedicated and superior play and their hard work this season, including the naming of Courtney Briggs, Johnny Shaw and Jeremy Hull to the All-District Team, the selection of Jeremy Hull, Santez Bogard, Courtney Briggs and Mario Donnell to the All-State Team and successful academic recognition of senior starters Santez Bogard, Courtney Briggs and Kendrae Hale, who all have honor graduate status with an GPA of 90 or above; and

WHEREAS, the H.W. Byers Lions have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Gerone Kirkland, who has broadened the Lions' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the Lions have been supported in their athletic endeavors and can attribute much of their success to the many parents, fans and supporters whose moral and spiritual encouragement have remained fervent throughout the season; and

WHEREAS, the Lions have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring honor to H.W. Byers Attendance Center; 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 H.W. Byers Attendance Center Lions Basketball Team and Head Coach Gerone Kirkland for their phenomenal 2003-2004 season, for an outstanding season and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to H.W. Byers Attendance Center Lions Basketball Team, Head Coach Gerone Kirkland and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.