House Resolution 126

(As Adopted by House)

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

WHEREAS, the Simpson Academy Lady Cougars Basketball Team reigned supreme after finishing the 2018-2019 season with an impressive record of 31 wins and 8 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 MAIS Class AAAA Division II State Basketball Championship Team is comprised of the following talented student-athletes: Morgan Griffith, Alissa Grace Brewer, Alexis Sullivan, Anna Claire Walker, TK Catchings, Kristen Busby, Maddie Moody, Adeline Bond, Gracie Bowen, Mollie Jones, Sabra Hubbard, Ellie Hilton, Ma'Nai Womack, Gracie Giordano and Lauren Teater; and

WHEREAS, the Cougars Basketball Team have been superbly coached and inspired by Coaches Linda Dear, Chaucer Funchess, Brandi Giordano and Chris Caughman, 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 their manager, Maura Pruitt; scorekeeper, Gabi Prather; statistic keeper, Beverly Baldwin; water girl, Charlye Bowen; and videographer, Avery Crain; and

WHEREAS, the coaches 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 Lady Cougars Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes and Coaches Linda Dear, Chaucer Funchess, Brandi Giordano and Chris Caughman, 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 Girls 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, Coaches Linda Dear, Chaucer Funchess, Brandi Giordano and Chris Caughman and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.