MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2018 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Younger, Turner-Ford, Jackson (32nd), Norwood, Simmons (12th)

Senate Concurrent Resolution 628

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL "FALCONS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH ANTHONY CARLYLE FOR WINNING THE MHSAA CLASS 6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

     WHEREAS, after a hard-fought battle, the Columbus High School "Falcons" Boys Basketball Team brought home the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A State Title on March 10, 2018; and

     WHEREAS, this game featured the consensus top 6A team in Meridian against the top-ranked 2018 player in Robert Woodard, and the defending champions against Coach Anthony Carlyle who had earned four titles in five years; and

     WHEREAS, Columbus seemed in control with a nine-point lead midway through the fourth quarter of the State Championship Game, but it wasn't going to come easy.  Meridian inched its way back through free throws and dunks to make it a four-point game.  Denijay Harris sprinted down the court, made his way to the basket and took on all the contact to make the one layup against the backboard to give Columbus the comfort it needed; and

     WHEREAS, Columbus earned the 6A State Championship with a 47-37 win against No. 1 Meridian, no matter how difficult it came.  While Robert Woodard was still the elite player he normally is, it was Denijay Harris who kept making crucial basket after crucial basket.  Harris put up 26 points to win it all, including 13 in the fourth quarter; and

     WHEREAS, Coach Anthony Carlyle now has five State Championships in six years, this one coming in his first year at Columbus and first try in 6A.  Carlyle admitted there were growing pains when he first took over.  "Before you can coach these guys, you have got to earn their trust."  Since then, Columbus has been dominant; and

     WHEREAS, Casey Smith, who transferred over from West Lowndes, finally got his own State Title.  He played hounding defense on Meridian throughout the second half.  Now, Smith, Harris and Robert Woodard end their careers 6A State Champions; and

     WHEREAS, the 2018 Columbus High School "Falcons" Boys Basketball Team State Championship Roster is:  Blake Burnett, PG; Greg King, G; Tijah McCrary, G; Eric Caldwell, G; Fred Sparks, G; Casey Smith, PG; RJ Deloach, PG; Robert Woodard, SF; Denijay Harris, SF; Tyrese Jones, SF; Jacob Williams, PF; Aaron Johnson, G; Da'vonta Martin, SF; Jerome Sherrod, G; Tyshon Morris, G; Tyrin Johnson, PF; Gabriel Williams, G; Rodrick Grays, PF; and Jemarcus Moore, PF; and Head Coach Anthony Carlyle; and

     WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize 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 SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Columbus High School "Falcons" Boys Basketball Team and Coach Anthony Carlyle for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A State Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Carlyle and Columbus High School Principal Lori Cargile for the team, forwarded to the Columbus School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.