Senate Concurrent Resolution 653

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE STARKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL "YELLOW JACKETS" GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH KRISTIE WILLIAMS FOR WINNING THE 2018 MHSAA CLASS 6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Starkville High School Yellow Jackets rode the hot shooting of Kirsten Thompson and thrashed Murrah 46-27 in the 6A Final on March 10, 2018, at the Mississippi Coliseum; and

WHEREAS, in 2017, runner-up Starkville took possession of the State Title when it was discovered Olive Branch had played an ineligible player. This year they did not have to wait until August to get their Golden Ball Trophy; and

WHEREAS, "The feeling is indescribable," said Kirsten Thompson, who finished with a game-high 21 points. "It's amazing." So was the Jackets' performance. Starkville (28-2) never trailed after its first basket of the game thanks to a fast start, hustling on the boards, and hot shooting in the second half. Coach Kristie Williams' squad out-rebounded Murrah, which had a size advantage inside with forward Jamaica Almons, by a total of 34-20. Starkville outscored Murrah in every quarter and held the Mustangs to single-digit scoring in every frame. Thompson wasn't the only hero: Jariya Covington finished with 11 points and a couple of steals, and Tabreea Gandy led the Yellow Jackets with eight rebounds and five assists. More impressive was what Starkville was able to do on defense: They held Murrah to 27% shooting (10 of 37) and held the Mustangs' two big scoring threats, Jamaica Almons and Kacey Bradford, to a combined 20 points; and

WHEREAS, "I'm really proud to be standing here holding this," Coach Williams said, looking down at the First-Place Golden Ball Trophy. "I'm incredibly proud of our staff"; and

WHEREAS, the 2018 Starkville High School Yellow Jackets Championship Team Roster: Donsha Lee, P; Breanna Young, P; Jalisa Outlaw, SG, PG; Tabreea Gandy (C), PG, SG; Alexandria Gray, G; Jariyah Covington (C), PG, SG; Amaya Ford, G; Ayanna Harris, G; Carly Evans, G; Amaria Strong, P, W; Idalis Suell, P; and Kirsten Thompson (C), C; Head Coach Kristie Williams; and Assistant Coaches Anita Johnson and Gwen Johnson; 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 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 Starkville High School "Yellow Jackets" Girls Basketball Team and Coach Kristie Williams for winning the 2018 MHSAA Class 6A State Championship and extend to the players, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Kristie Williams and Starkville High School Principal Sean McDonnall for the team, forwarded to the Starkville School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.