MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2004 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Pickering, Thames, Frazier

Senate Resolution 22

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NORTHEAST JONES HIGH SCHOOL "LADY TIGER" BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE STATE 4A CHAMPIONSHIP AND FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2003-2004 SEASON.

     WHEREAS, the Northeast Jones High School "Lady Tiger" Basketball Team completed the 2003-2004 season in spectacular fashion by winning the Class 4A State Championship; and

     WHEREAS, the Lady Tigers compiled an outstanding record of 32-3 in the 2003-2004 championship season, and the team members emphasized academics by achieving a Team Grade Point Average of 96; and

     WHEREAS, on the road to the State Championship, the Lady Tigers won the West Jones Classic Tournament, the Petal Tournament, the Northeast Jones Classic, and placed second in the District and South State Regional Tournaments; and

     WHEREAS, the Championship 2003-2004 Lady Tigers' roster is as follows:

          Player             Position      Year

          Alicia Abney       Guard         Senior

          Stevie Pugh        Guard         Junior

          Nikki Simmons      Forward       Sophomore

          Hope Jones         Forward       Senior, Captain

          Santana Barnes     Guard         Junior

          Deanna McMillan    Guard         Senior

          Santana McGruder   Guard         Senior

          Taphne Jackson     Guard         Senior, Captain

          Jessica McKenzie   Forward       Senior, Captain

          Kim Lewis          Guard         Sophomore

          Kristin BlackledgeCenter        Junior

          Ebonie Jefferson   Forward       Sophomore

          Sheree Hales       Forward       Senior

          Consuela Tucker    Center        Freshman; and

     WHEREAS, the team is ably coached by Head Coach Vicki Rutland and Assistant Coach Sherri Buxton who instilled a work ethic in this squad, emphasizing a tenacious defense; and

     WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize 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 do hereby commend and congratulate the Northeast Jones High School "Lady Tiger" Basketball Team and Coach Vicki Rutland for their outstanding 2003-2004 season and for winning the Class 4A State Championship, and extend to them the best wishes of the Senate for their future athletic and academic success.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the team, be forwarded to Northeast Jones Principal Dwain Strickland and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.