MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Jackson (11th), Simmons, Dearing, Michel, Walls, Jackson (32nd), Moffatt, Butler, Frazier, Thomas, King, Kirby, White, Chaney, Carmichael, Clarke, Pickering, Davis, Jackson (15th), Morgan, Doxey, Turner, Hyde-Smith, Lee (35th), Lee (47th), Wilemon, Jordan, Burton

Senate Concurrent Resolution 609

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE COAHOMA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL "RED PANTHERS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH ISAIAH PETERSON FOR WINNING THEIR SECOND CONSECUTIVE MPSAA CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

     WHEREAS, Coahoma County High School "Red Panthers" Coach Isaiah Peterson hoisted the "Gold Ball" trophy for his team and loyal Coahoma County fans for leading his players to their second consecutive Mississippi Class 2A State Championship at the Coliseum in Jackson, Mississippi, on Friday, March 10, 2006; and

     WHEREAS, Ravern Johnson (6-foot-7 swingman) hit every shot in the book from the opening tip-off to lead "The Big Red Machine" to a wire-to-wire 68-61 win over Bay Springs in claiming the championship trophy for the second time since the school split from Clarksdale High School in 1965 some 40 years ago; and

     WHEREAS, the game ended with Coahoma County on top, much to the delight of four busloads of students and a caravan of cars with loyal Coahoma County fans who rushed the court and nearby stands; and

     WHEREAS, this was the third 2A title for fifth season Coahoma County Coach Isaiah Peterson, who led Broad Street High School to the championship in 1989; Coach Peterson and Assistant Coach Derrick Moore were masterful in the championship game; and

     WHEREAS, the Red Panthers finished the championship season 35-5 and won the Delta Valley Conference, and the Division 3 Tournament on the way to the State Championship; and

     WHEREAS, members of the team are Terrance Calvin, Terrance Conner, Ravern Johnson, Daryl Moore, Roy Alexander, Darius Taylor, Lester Rosebur, Horace Whitehead, Jermez Watson, Franky Maiden, James Bryant, Oxtabious Payne, Eddie Gilky, DeCarlo Holly, Semarcio Bailey and Bryant Hightower, Team Manager; and

     WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the special accomplishment 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, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Coahoma County "Red Panthers" Boys Basketball Team and Coach Isaiah Peterson for their exciting victory to win their second consecutive Class 2A State Championship and extend to them the best wishes of the Legislature for their future athletic and academic successes as they work toward a 3-Peat in 2A basketball in 2007.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Red Panthers Team and Coach Peterson, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.