House Resolution 87

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE 2018-2019 SIMPSON ACADEMY COUGARS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2019 MAIS CLASS AAAA DIVISION II STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Simpson Academy "Cougars" Boys Basketball Team reign supreme after finishing the 2018-2019 season with an impressive record of 26 wins and 9 losses, and capturing the 2019 Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Class AAAA Division II State Basketball Championship; and

WHEREAS, throughout the state tournament games, 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 each of their opponents; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Cougars relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop the opposing offense and outmaneuver their defense, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted trophy back to Simpson Academy; and

WHEREAS, the Cougars kept their focus and played one of their best games of the season during the championship matchup, and several key players were rewarded for their efforts, including, Bowen Kelly, Joe Berry, Hunter Cline and Thomas Pepper, who were named to the All-State Team, and Bowen Kelly, who was named an All Star; and

WHEREAS, additionally, the Simpson Academy Cougars Basketball Team were the District Tournament Champions and are comprised of the following talented athletes: Joe Berry, Jaden Wedgeworth, Morgan Leonard, Jered Smith, Todd Larkin, Hunter Cline, Cole Groover, Drew Williams, Layton Brown, Bowen Kelly, Warner Watkins, Josh Flynt, Thomas Pepper and Daniel Pepper; and

WHEREAS, the Simpson Academy Cougars Basketball Team has been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach James Crain and Assistant Coach Carey Crain, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the championship season would not have been possible without the help of scorekeeper, Austin Lane, and statistic keepers, Ramsey Jones and Jacob Johns; and

WHEREAS, Coaches James Crain and Carey Crain continue 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 their 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 Simpson Academy Cougars Boys Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes, Head Coach James Crain and Assistant Coach Carey Crain, 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 2018-2019 Simpson Academy Cougars Boys Basketball Team upon winning the 2019 MAIS Class AAAA Division II State Basketball Championship, 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 Simpson Academy Headmaster Billy Wayne Hankins, Athletic Director Winston Mullins, Head Coach James Crain, Assistant Coach Carey Crain and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.