Senate Concurrent Resolution 626

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE OKOLONA HIGH SCHOOL "CHIEFTAINS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH ARTERIA CLIFTON FOR WINNING THE MHSAA CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, senior members of the Okolona High School "Chieftains" Boys Basketball Team finally made their legacy with a dominating 80-59 victory over Ashland to win the MHSAA Class 1A State Championship on March 8, 2018; and

WHEREAS, the Okolona Chieftains Boys Basketball Team has been one of the most dominant teams in Mississippi this year, not just in 1A. The team won every playoff game by at least 21 and lost only two games all year: One was to Tennessee's Fayette Ware and the other was to Starkville by two. The Chieftains also defeated Starkville in the first meeting by five; and

WHEREAS, Coach Arteria Clifton doesn't often show much emotion. When the 1995 Okolona graduate was handed the Championship Trophy on March 8, 2018, he hardly cracked a smile, but when nobody was watching, Clifton could be seen in the third quarter jumping back in his seat and kicking his feet in the air after his Chieftains forced a turnover with a double-digit lead; and

WHEREAS, from the first possession, the Chieftains were swarming Ashland and making life difficult. When one star struggled, another one stepped up. Okolona dominated Ashland in the second half and took the 1A Championship; and

WHEREAS, Smith, Bailey and Spears, three seniors who made good on their expectations for four years, can say they made their mark and made sure not to make it softly. These seniors left the Mississippi Coliseum as Champions. They can go down as one of the best teams in the state; and

WHEREAS, the 2018 Okolona High School Boys Basketball Championship Team Roster is: Jaylon Bailey, Kylon McCoy, Jamal Moore, Brandon Young, Antonio Buchanan, Ladarrius Spears, Jacorrius Stanfield, Deonte Hampton, Dontavious Doss, Tre Harvey, Jalen McFarland, and Cameron Smith; and Coach Arteria Clifton; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these 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 Okolona High School "Chieftains" Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Arteria Clifton for winning the MHSAA Class 1A State Championship, and extend our best wishes to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Arteria Clifton for the team, forwarded to Okolona Principal, Mr. Christopher Hill, and the Okolona School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.