House Concurrent Resolution 92

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL LADY COUGARS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH VICKI RUTLAND FOR WINNING LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL'S FIRST MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 4A GIRLS STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Lawrence County High School Lady Cougars Basketball Team finished the 2017-2018 season with their first state title in the school's history; and

WHEREAS, since its inception in 1987, Lawrence County High School had only dreamed of a state title for its Lady Cougars Basketball Team; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Cougars' overall statistics were meritorious as they finished with an overall record of 32-3 and were undefeated in district play at 12-0, winning the Region 7-4A Championship; and

WHEREAS, on this fateful night on March 8, 2018, the Lady Cougars outplayed, outlasted and ultimately overpowered Byhalia High School in what many have described as a "tight 4A championship game"; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Cougars took control of the "tight 4A championship game" late in the fourth quarter and with full hearts and clear eyes, the team overcame their opponents and claimed their historic title with a 38-34 win; and

WHEREAS, in the fourth quarter when success seemed far away, the leadership and inspirational drive of Head Coach Vicki Rutland ignited the team's drive and determination for the win instructing them to "Just do your job. If you go out there and play your game, you'll get it."; and

WHEREAS, in a hard-played game, defense was the key adjustment for the Lady Cougars success, senior player Camryn Davis scored a game-high 15 points and finished with six rebounds and four steals, and junior player Kyunna Thomas added 12 points with seven rebounds and led the team with four assists; and

WHEREAS, the 2018 impressive team roster is comprised of the following: Michellee Johnson, Tyranesha Davis, Faith Lewis, Bailey Baylis, Jakya Dampier, Jakiara Buckner, Camryn Davis, Tyuna Slay, Casey Lewis, Kyunna Thomas, Tieshia McCallum, Khilah Jones and Neziah Smith; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Cougars have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Vicki Rutland, who has broadened the Lady Cougars' knowledge of the game, refined their skills in execution and provided stellar mentorship on and off the court, and Assistant Coach Jesse Anderson also played a vital role in grooming the players for success; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Vicki Rutland and Assistant Coach Jesse Anderson received tremendous support from athletic trainer LeKyndra Smith, volunteer coach Scott Johnson, score keeper Laticia Collins, managers Adrianna Madison (Head), Alexis Roberson and Tashyra Stanfield, clock operator Milan Nelson, videographer Danesha Haynes and statistician Joe Lee Rutland; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the superb athletic accomplishments of Mississippi student athletes, especially those such as the Lawrence County High School Lady Cougars Basketball Team, whose excellence on the basketball court brings great honor to their school, the community and our state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Lawrence County High School Lady Cougars Basketball Team and Head Coach Vicki Rutland for winning Lawrence County High School's first MHSAA Class 4A Girls State Basketball Championship.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Lawrence County High School, Head Coach Vicki Rutland and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.