House Resolution 79

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE OKTIBBEHA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL LADY TITANS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE CLASS 1A MHSAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Oktibbeha County High School Lady Titans Basketball Team recently won the Mississippi Class 1A Mississippi High School Activities Association State Championship at the Coliseum in Jackson, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, finishing the season with an impressive 29-5 record, the Lady Titans not only lay claim to the state title, but also brought great honor and pride to themselves, fellow students and parents of Oktibbeha County High School; and

WHEREAS, in pursuit of the gold during the entire season, the Lady Titans worked collectively as an offensive and defensive unit to bring home the coveted title; and

WHEREAS, members of the Lady Titans Team are: Joslyn Gillespie, Alexius Selvie, Shondra Nichols, Kyani Davis, Ashley Clark, April Sykes, Marchanda Scott, Cassandra Bradford, Tiffanie Jefferson, Kelcie Lanier, Alisa Gunn, Timeshia Hunter, Angelica Vaughn (manager), Jessica Thomas (manager), Gracie Robinson (manager) and Lola P. Jenkins (statistician); and

WHEREAS, the Lady Titans have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Cynthia M. Davenport and Assistant Coach Shamara A. Brown, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, several players have been recognized for their hard work, dedication and superior play this season, including the naming of Alexius Selvie to the All-State Team, All-District Team and as best defensive player; the selection of Cassandra Bradford as team captain, to the All-State Team, All-District Team and recipient of the Hustler Award; and the naming of April Sykes as team captain, District 4, Region 4, most valuable player, All-State Team, Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen, Gatorade Mississippi Player of the Year nominee, Parade All-American nominee, ranked No. 2 guard in the nation by Scout.com; State Championship Game most valuable player, the leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 29 points and 10 rebounds per game; and

WHEREAS, the Oktibbeha County High School Lady Titans have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a superb degree of sportsmanship and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring great honor to Oktibbeha County High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the special 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 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Oktibbeha County High School Lady Titans Basketball Team for winning the Class 1A MHSAA State Championship and extend warmest wishes for continued success in all of their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Oktibbeha County High School, Head Coach Cynthia M. Davenport, Assistant Coach Shamara A. Brown and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.