Senate Concurrent Resolution 666

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN "OWLS" BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH HOWARD WHITE FOR WINNING THE USCAA DIVISION I WOMEN'S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AND FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2018-2019 SEASON.

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2019, the Mississippi University for Women (MUW) "Owls" Women's Basketball Team (21-6) clawed their way back to defeat the University of Maine-Fort Kent in the USCAA National Championship Game; and

WHEREAS, Junior Forward Qiayon Bailey went 12-for-17 from the floor and 4-for-7 at the free-throw line to lead the Owls with a season-high of 28 points. The West Point, Mississippi, native also pulled down two offensive boards and five defensive boards to rack up seven rebounds. Because of her effort, she received All-Tournament Team Honors and was named Championship Game Most Valuable Player. Senior Forward Tenazhia Hinkson pulled off her fifth double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 rebounds while Autumn Taylor rounded out the double-digit scoring effort with 13 points. As a result of their performance, both ladies were named to the All-Tournament Team along with Qiayon Bailey; and

WHEREAS, the Owls remained ahead of the Bengals to end the half with a 23-20 lead. After returning from halftime, The W kept Fort Kent scoreless for most of the third quarter while going on a 15-point run. In the final period, Fort Kent scrambled to overcome its 13-point deficit, but they were no match for the Owls' defense. The W scored 31 points in the quarter while holding the Bengals to 21 to defeat Fort Kent and take the National Title. From the field, the Owls shot 51.1%, including 22.2% in three-point range. They also performed at the line shooting 61.3%; and

WHEREAS, the 2018-2019 Mississippi University for Women "Owls" Basketball Championship Team Roster is: Autumn Taylor, Katlyn Duke, Tori Weir, Tenazhia Hinkson, Starlandria Walton, Terriona Hartford, MyNeka Frazier, Meosha Barnum, Alexandria Brown, Qyaion Bailey and Keyahna Jones; Head Coach Howard White; and Assistant Coach Rayshell Harris; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these university athletes who have reflected great credit on their university, their home communities and on 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 University for Women "Owls" Basketball Team and Coach Howard White for winning the USCAA Division I Women's National Championship and for their outstanding 2018-2019 season, and extend to the players, coaches, administration, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach and Athletic Director Jason Trufant, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.