Senate Concurrent Resolution 640

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE VELMA JACKSON HIGH SCHOOL "FALCONS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH CHRIS LOVE UPON WINNING ITS FIFTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AS THE 2019 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATIONS CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONS.

WHEREAS, the Velma Jackson High School "Falcons" Boys Basketball Team reigned supreme after finishing the 2018-2019 season with an impressive record of 25 wins and 6 losses, and capturing the 2019 Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A State Basketball Championship on March 9, 2019, at the Mississippi Coliseum, to claim its fifth coveted Golden Ball in seven years; and

WHEREAS, this was truly a dream season, as the unparalleled determination and year-round hard work helped catapult the Falcons to the number-one spot in Class 3A. Throughout the State District and Championship Tournament with a 9-1 record, the Falcons played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength. In each game, their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they hustled onto the court for the first tip off until the final buzzer sounded, as they outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered the Holly Springs "Hawks" 59-44 in the fast-paced, full-court pressed, exhilarating Championship Game; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Falcons, who are accustomed to playing much larger teams, relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting, boxing out executions and strategic defensive moves to stop the Hawks' offense and outmaneuver their defense, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted "Gold Ball" Trophy back to Velma Jackson after winning its last Championship in 2017; and

WHEREAS, the Falcons kept their focus and played one of their best games of the season during the Championship matchup, and the 2018-2019 MHSAA Class 3A Boys Basketball State Championship Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: Mason Riley, Jordan Harvey, Leaveon Griffin, RD Wilson, Jarius Young, Charles Smith, Joshua Lee, Charlie Jones, Carlton Beamon and Cortez Simpson; and

WHEREAS, with "finishing the job" as the team's adopted motto, the Falcons soared to exponential heights on the wings of four standout players, several of whom are cousins to the Powerhouse Triple Threat Weatherspoon brothers, Quinndary, Nik and Brandon, who were the driving forces behind Velma Jackson's first string of championships, including: Josh Lee, who contributed a game-high 15 points; Jordan Harvey, who netted 12 points and 18 rebounds to catapult him to be recognized as the game's Most Valuable Player; Leaveon Griffin, who also added 12 points; and Charlie Jones, who chipped in 11 of the Falcon's points; and

WHEREAS, the Velma Jackson High School "Falcons" Boys Basketball Team has been exceptionally coached and tremendously inspired by Head Coach Chris Love, who has broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and he continues 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 his ability to produce high-caliber players and plays, and by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, Coach Love, in his second year at the helm of the winning Falcon dynasty, is also a second-generation basketball coach; he is the son of Lewis Love, Jr., who coached the 1997 Canton High School "Tigers" Boys Basketball Team to a Class 4A State Championship and served as Assistant Coach to the 1999 Mississippi All-Star Boys Basketball Team, and now with whom shared conversations as State Title holders will be sure to permeate the atmosphere of any family gathering; 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 on the hardwood, 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 this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially that displayed by the Velma Jackson High School "Falcons" Boys Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student athletes and Head Coach Chris Love, who have brought honor to their school, their community and to their state:

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 2018-2019 Velma Jackson High School "Falcons" Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Chris Love upon winning the 2019 Mississippi High School Activities Association's Class 3A State Basketball Championship, and extend best wishes to the team and coach for continued success in all of their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Chris Love for the team, Principal Carey Kirkland of Velma Jackson High School, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.