House Resolution 4

(COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2019-2020 JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY LADY TIGERS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2020 SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE REGULAR SEASON BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Jackson State University Lady Tigers Basketball Team reign supreme after finishing the 2019-2020 season with an impressive record, and capturing the 2020 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Regular Season Basketball Championship; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season, the Lady Tigers played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, and during their championship game, their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first hustled onto the court until the final buzzer buzzed, as they outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered Arkansas Pine-Bluff in a 68-47 win; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Lady Tigers 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 back to the Jackson State University trophy case for the first time since 2007; and

WHEREAS, on March 2, 2020, the Lady Tigers kept their focus and played one of their best games of the season during the championship matchup, and despite trailing by one point at halftime, the team made the appropriate adjustments and came out on fire to start the second half, with junior center Ameshya Williams leading the Tigers with 24 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks; and

WHEREAS, additionally, senior Marneisha Hamer dominated and added 14 points on 6-for-10 shooting from the floor while junior Dayzsha Rogan scored 14 points and recorded four steals, Kristy Parker recorded 6 points and Kaisah Lucky scored 4 points, and as a team, Jackson State shot 45 percent (27-for-60) from the field while holding Arkansas Pine-Bluff to 24.3 percent (17-for-70) from the floor; and

WHEREAS, the Jackson State University Lady Tigers Basketball Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: seniors, Kaisah Lucky, Sumer Williams, Kristy Parker and Marneisha Hamer; juniors, Ieisha Lacey, Antionette Womack, D'Asia Mitchell, Ameshya Williams, Walneika Holmes, Elexis Peyton, J'Niya Tallie, Dayzsha Rogan and Cherelle Jones; sophomore, Shelby Augustine; freshman, Keshuna Luckett; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Tigers have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Tomekia Reed and Assistant Coaches Richard Bradley and Juanita Ward, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the championship season would not have been possible without the help of graduate assistant, LaShonda Cousin, and managers, Joshua Gross and Johnny Forrest IV; and

WHEREAS, Coaches Reed, Bradley and Ward 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 the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially that displayed by the

Jackson State University Lady Tigers Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes, Head Coach Tomekia Reed and Assistant Coaches Richard Bradley and Juanita Ward, who have brought honor to their school, their community and to their state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 2019-2020 Jackson State University Lady Tigers Basketball Team upon winning the 2020 SWAC Regular Season 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 Athletic Director Ashley Robinson, Head Coach Tomekia Reed and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.