House Concurrent Resolution 61

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NEW SITE HIGH SCHOOL LADY ROYALS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 2A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the New Site High School Lady Royals Basketball Team reigned supreme against Calhoun City High School, to win the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 2A State Basketball Championship, the team's second state title in program history, after winning its first in 2012; and

WHEREAS, in their second chance to capture glory, the Lady Royals played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, and during the game, their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first hustled onto the court until the final buzzer, as they outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered Calhoun City to win 55-50; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Lady Royals relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop the opposing offense and outmaneuvered their defense, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted

trophy home; and

WHEREAS, the New Site High School Lady Royals Basketball Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: seniors, Skyler Lindsey, Hannah Campbell, Ivy Loden, Saydee Taylor, Maddie Johnson and Emma Johnson; juniors, Aden Hooker, Lindsey Dickerson and Lily Whitley; sophomores, Gracie Yates, Ashlee Mathis and Allie Hutchens; and freshmen, Abby Walton, Cheyenne Tennison and Anna Slack; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Royals have been superbly coached and inspired by both Head Coach Byron Sparks and Assistant Coach Brent Taylor, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coaches Sparks and Taylor continue 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 their ability to produce high caliber players and plays and by the team's successful 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, 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 extraordinary Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the New Site High School Lady Royals Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite team, Head Coach Byron Sparks and Assistant Coach Brent Taylor, who have brought honor to New Site High School, the New Site community and to the great Magnolia State:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the New Site High School Lady Royals Basketball Team for winning the MHSAA Class 2A State Basketball Championship, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Byron Sparks, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.