House Resolution 86

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BROOKHAVEN ACADEMY COUGARS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2018 MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS CLASS AA STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Brookhaven Academy Cougars Boys Basketball Team reign supreme after finishing the 2017-2018 season with an impressive record of 35 wins and 3 losses, and capturing the 2018 Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Class AA State Basketball Championship; and

WHEREAS, this was truly a dream season, as the unparalleled determination and year-round hard work helped catapult the Cougars to the number one spot in Class AA, and throughout the state district and tournament with a 10-0 record, the Cougars played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, and in each game, 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 Marshall Academy Patriots 33-30 in the nail-clinching championship game; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Cougars relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop the Patriots offense and outmaneuver their defense, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted "Gold Ball" Trophy back to Brookhaven Academy after winning its last championship in 2010; and

WHEREAS, the Cougars kept their focus and played one of their best games of the season during the championship matchup, and the 2017-2018 MAIS Class AA Boys Basketball State Championship Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: Cade Brown, Britton Nelson, Tanner Thurman, Luke Jackson, Jackson Logan, Dawson Flowers, Piker Ratliff, Gavin Brogden, Dawson Zumbro, Timmy Lin, Trey Fortenberry, Tate Felder, Tanner Watts and Ethan Nations; manager, Tate Rushing; trainers, Emma Hill and Allison Covington; and statistician, Olivia Watts; and

WHEREAS, the Brookhaven Academy Cougars Boys Basketball Team has been exceptionally coached and tremendously inspired by Head Coach Josh Watts, who has broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and he continues to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in his ability to produce high caliber players and plays and by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, the members of this team will carry the unforgettable memories they made along their way to championship status, whether it be the long hours in the weight room or the grueling practices, as well as the lessons of hard work, dedication and perseverance learned during this amazing season, throughout their lives as they are constantly flooded with the feeling of greatness that accompanies being a champion; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially that displayed by the Brookhaven Academy Cougars Boys Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student athletes and Head Coach Josh Watts, 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 Brookhaven Academy Cougars Boys Basketball Team upon winning the 2018 Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AA State Basketball Championship, and extend best wishes to the team and coach for continued success in all of their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Josh Watts, the headmaster of Brookhaven Academy and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.