Senate Resolution 55

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE RIPLEY HIGH SCHOOL LADY TIGERS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH STEVE WILLEY UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Ripley High School Lady Tigers Basketball Team has completed an exceptional season and reigned supreme to win the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State Basketball Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers, who had a superior season that was driven by more than just the yearning to succeed, amplified their hard work and motivation to ultimately take down Moss Point High School with a score of 37-30 and take home the gold trophy; and

WHEREAS, throughout the championship game, the Tigers played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of perseverance, and their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first hustled onto the court until the final buzzer sounded; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers put aside the excitement, fanfare and attention to focus on the Championship Game and prepare as they had throughout the season, with monumental support from the entire Ripley community; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Tigers 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 to Ripley High School; and

WHEREAS, the team's statistics were impressive, and there were outstanding performances by individual players, the key to this team's consistent success has been their year-round hard work and superb dedication to excellence on the court; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers, who played with nothing but heart and soul all season, have a very talented and distinguished roster, and each player made a substantial contribution that led to an outstanding season; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Steve Willey has superbly coached and inspired the Tigers and broadened their knowledge of the game while refining their skills in execution, and 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 by his ability to produce high caliber players and the team's successful basketball 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; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize and commend outstanding student-athletes, especially those such as the Ripley High School Lady Tigers Basketball Team, and we congratulate this elite team and Head Coach Steve Willey, who have brought honor to their school, the Ripley community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Ripley High School Tigers Girls Basketball Team and Coach Steve Willey upon winning the MHSAA Class 4A State Basketball Championship, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Steve Willey for the team, Ripley High School Principal Buck Buchanan, and the members of the Capitol Press Corps.