House Resolution 71

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2017-2018 COAHOMA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL RED PANTHERS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2018 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 2A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW.

WHEREAS, the Coahoma County High School Red Panthers Boys Basketball Team reign supreme after capturing the 2018 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 2A State Basketball Championship at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson, Mississippi, on March 9, 2018; and

WHEREAS, this was truly a dream season, as the unparalleled determination and year-round hard work helped catapult the Red Panthers to an impressive record of 29 wins and only 4 losses and their second state championship title in as many years; and

WHEREAS, throughout the state championship, the Red Panthers played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, and their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first hustled onto the court until the final buzzer buzzed, as they outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered the Bay Springs Bulldogs 62-46; and

WHEREAS, from the outset of the game, it was clear that the Red Panthers were in charge of their own destiny, as they never trailed throughout all four quarters and retired to halftime with a 31-13 lead, and while the Bay Springs Bulldogs tried to muster a challenge, they could not hang with the Red Panthers, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted "Gold Ball" Trophy back to Coahoma County High School for the second year in a row; and

WHEREAS, during the championship game, Jay'Sheldon Yates had 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Bentavious Galmore had 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season of play, the team statistics were impressive, and there were outstanding free throws, field goals, rebounds and assists by individual players, but the key to this team's consistent success has been the constant team atmosphere and year-round hard work; and

WHEREAS, the 2017-2018 MHSAA Class 2A Boys Basketball State Championship Team is comprised of only talented athletes, including Markevius Phillips, Bentavious Galmore, Markevious Holmes, Jeffrey Fisher, Melvin Jenkins, Tykeevius Taylor, Derrick Moore, Marquise Percy, Jay'Sheldon Yates, Calving Harrell, Tarkevius Logan, Jermaine Fry, Keyshawn Thomas, Tajah Williams, Timothy Sacks, Dewayne Rucker, Maurice Smith, Clintavius Davis, Andre Tyler, Chrishun Banks, Christian Banks, Kendrick McCray, Martin Williams, Christopher Abby, Isaiah Murrell, and Jaden McCool; and

WHEREAS, the Coahoma County High School Red Panthers Basketball Team has been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Derrick Moore and Assistant Coaches Daryl Moore, Timothy Williams and Johnetta Robinson, who have each broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the trainers and support staff, Kontavious Drake, Richard Cole, Marquise Moton and Antwonario Bryant, have ensured that each player was in excellent shape and that the needs of each player and coach were met with efficiency and effectiveness; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially that displayed by the Coahoma County High School Red Panthers Boys Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student athletes, Head Coach Derrick Moore, and each assistant coach, trainer and support staff member, who have brought honor to their school, their community and to their state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 2017-2018 Coahoma County High School Red Panthers Boys Basketball Team upon winning the 2018 Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 2A State Basketball Championship for the second year in a row, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

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