MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2019 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Blackwell, Massey, Parker, Barnett, Branning, Clarke, Jackson (32nd)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE OLIVE BRANCH HIGH SCHOOL "LADY QUISTORS" BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH JASON THOMPSON FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, two Gold Ball State Championship trophies returned to DeSoto County from Jackson and the Mississippi Coliseum on March 8, 2019, after the 5A finals were played in girls and boys basketball. Olive Branch "Lady Quistors" (29-4) won the 5A State Girls' Title in convincing fashion, a 61-48 victory over previously undefeated West Jones (29-1); and
WHEREAS, Olive Branch opened the evening with a 61-48 victory over West Jones to win the State 5A Girls Basketball Championship. The 29-4 Lady Quistors won the Title with a stifling defense and a huge offensive effort from the 5A finals' Most Valuable Player, Endya Buford, who scored a game-high 36 points. Endya had 17 of those points in the first half, on 3-of-9 shooting from three-point range and 6-for-14 outside shooting for the half. Buford continued the offensive heat in the second half, scoring on 17-of-26 from the floor, 4-for-11 from outside the arch, and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line. She was one rebound short of a double-double with nine boards and made six steals; and
WHEREAS, "Our Most Valuable Player has been doing that phenomenal play all season," Coach Thompson said. "I'm just glad she is on my team and I'm just glad she displayed her talents in a way in which she didn't have to go outside of her norm." The first quarter set the tone as Olive Branch outscored West Jones by a 17-9 margin after the first eight minutes of play. The Lady Quistors' offense was supported by a defense that forced 18 turnovers. "We wanted to be in control of the tempo on both ends and we wanted to be the one who dictated everything that happened," Coach Thompson said. Thompson, who won several titles at H.W. Byers High School, says winning State Championships each time are special. "They're all sweet," Thompson noted. "You don't get use to this. You hope it continues to happen and I'm glad the team is able to enjoy it." For Olive Branch, this tournament was the last time they will appear as a 5A school with the assignment for next year back up to the largest class, 6A; and
WHEREAS, the 2019 Lady Quistors Championship Roster is: Olivia Schuller, G, W, F; Shadavia Sims, W, SG; Brynea Eason, W, G; Dasia Harden, G, W; Bryneisha Eason, F, W; Nadia Gillespie, G, W, F; Trinity Pleas, PG; Trinity Murray, PG, SG; Deasia Jeffries, F; Marika Owens, G, F; Ariel McKinney, G; Jasmine Howard, C; Endya Buford, PG; Rhema Pegues, G, F, W; Alyssa Brown, SF, W, G; and Coach Jason Thompson; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize a group of student athletes who have brought honor to their school, 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 Olive Branch High School "Lady Quistors" Basketball Team and Coach Jason Thompson for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association 5A State Championship, and extend our best wishes to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Thompson for the team and Olive Branch High School Principal Jacob Stripling, forwarded to the DeSoto County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.