MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2019 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Jackson (15th), Harkins, Blackwell, Dearing, DeBar, Jackson (32nd), Massey, Turner-Ford
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2019 MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY "LADY BULLDOGS" WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH VIC SCHAEFER FOR WINNING AN HISTORIC FIRST SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT TITLE.
WHEREAS, the confetti finally rained down on Coach Vic Schaefer and Mississippi State. Teaira McCowan and Andra Espinoza-Hunter scored 24 points each, and the top-seeded Bulldogs claimed their first SEC Tournament Championship in dominating fashion over Arkansas by a score of 101-70 on March 10, 2019, in Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi State (30-2, 15-1 SEC), the winningest Basketball Class in school history, set a school tournament-scoring record and shot a blistering 62.5% (40-of-64), including 73.3% in the first quarter that set the tone for the day. Teaira McCowan, who was named tournament Most Valuable Player, took control in the first quarter during an 18-0 run beginning at the 6:06 mark. The Bulldogs scored 12 of their first 15 points in the paint with McCowan chipping in six during the spurt. The Bulldogs used a 12-4 run to end the half, taking a 54-34 lead at the break. At the midway point, MSU had scored more points (36) in the paint than Arkansas (20-14, 6-10 SEC) had scored anywhere on the floor. McCowan had 18 points in the first half alone, and the Dawgs shot 71.9% (23-of-32) from the field. In the second half, the Bulldogs used an outburst of three-point shooting to pull away. The Bulldogs went 8-of-12 from behind the arc (66.7%) in the second half, and made a Mississippi State University SEC Tournament record 12 three-pointers in the game. Espinoza-Hunter set a tournament single-game record with eight three-pointers, breaking the previous mark of seven set on three different occasions. Seven of her threes came in the second half; and
WHEREAS, winning the SEC Tournament Championship, as Coach Schaefer and his top-seeded Bulldogs did with a victory over 10th-seeded Arkansas in the Title Game is something he has been working toward ever since he was named Mississippi State's Head Coach on March 13, 2012. Two-hundred forty-six total games, 191 maroon and white wins, two regular season SEC Championships and two Final Four appearances later, Coach Schaefer finally added an accolade to the list that he has been vying for ever since he stepped foot in Starkville; and
WHEREAS, through diligent, tireless recruiting, Coach Schaefer managed to lure players like Ketara Chapel and Dominique Dillingham to Mississippi State even though there was nothing to suggest their careers would be rewarded by playing for four years at MSU. The tide started to turn when the Bulldogs went 22-14 in Coach Schaefer's second season. Then players like Victoria Vivians, Morgan William, Roshunda Johnson and Blair Schaefer, decided to try to spearhead the turnaround. Coach Schaefer climbed to the top of the SEC with help from the Assistant Coaches, who like Schaefer do not get much sleep and from players like Holmes and McCowan who have worked relentless to grasp the trophy they raised; and
WHEREAS, the 2019 Lady Bulldogs Championship Roster is: Myah Taylor, G; Andra Espinoza-Hunter, G; Jessika Carter, F/C; Anriel Howard, F; Jazzmun Holmes, G; Xaria Wiggins, G/F; Promise Taylor, C; Teaira McCowen, C; Nyah Tate, G; Bre'Amber Scott, G; Jordan Danberry, G; Zion Campbell, C; and Chloe Bibby, F; Head Coach Vic Schaefer; Associate Head Coach Johnnie Harris; and Assistant Coaches Dionnah Jackson-Durrett and Elena Lovato; and
WHEREAS, the No. 1-seeded Lady Bulldogs' season ended in an NCAA Tournament to No. 2 Oregon 88-84 on March 31, 2019, ending what was otherwise a remarkable season for Mississippi State. "I just can't be prouder of my team today," MSU Head Coach Vic Schaefer said. "You talk about competitive, tough. I just thought our team just fought tooth and nail today in a really hostile environment. Credit to the community for the people who came out supporting women's basketball. A great crowd out there today. It's great for our game"; and
WHEREAS, Teaira McCowan, MSU Senior Center, has led the Bulldogs to a 32-2 record, the Southeastern Conference Regular Season Championship, the SEC Tournament Championship and a Sweet 16 NCAA berth. She has done so by averaging 18 points and 13.6 rebounds a game, despite sitting out the fourth quarter of many games because her team was so far ahead. She shot 65.4% from the field and has blocked 82 shots. McCowan scored 30 points, was 14 of 17 shooting, grabbed 11 rebounds, blocked six rebounds and stole the ball twice in MSU's NCAA Tournament victory over Clemson; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these university athletes who have brought honor to their coach, their university, 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 Mississippi State University "Lady Bulldogs" Women's Basketball Team, the winningest Basketball Class in school history, and Head Coach Vic Schaefer for winning an historic first Southeastern Conference Tournament Title, and extend our best wishes for future success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Schaefer for the team, forwarded to Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.