MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2021 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Banks, Bell (65th), Brown (70th), Clarke, Crudup, Gibbs (72nd), Stamps, Straughter, Summers, Watson
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LANIER HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOGS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2020-2021 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) BOYS 4A BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, for the first time in 14 years, the Lanier High School Bulldogs Boys Basketball Team reigned supreme to win the 2020-2021 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Boys 4A Basketball Championship, a truly phenomenal feat for such an outstanding team; and
WHEREAS, the Bulldogs, 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 the Raymond High School Rangers with a score of 64-48, giving Lanier its 17th state championship in program history, and the first since 2007; and
WHEREAS, in a matchup of two exceptional metro Jackson schools, both teams were off to slow starts, with Lanier carrying a slim lead into the second quarter, but as the second quarter progressed, the Bulldogs began to separate themselves as they took the lead with a score of 36-19 over the Rangers into halftime; and
WHEREAS, after halftime, the Bulldogs opened the second half with more of the same, and as the Rangers drove to the basket more, Lanier continued to get its way offensively; and
WHEREAS, Raymond made a late push in the latter half of the fourth quarter, but the effort proved to be too little too late, and Lanier claimed the final victory; and
WHEREAS, throughout the championship game, the Bulldogs 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, striving to achieve greatness on the basketball court, the Bulldogs 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 Lanier High School community; and
WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Bulldogs relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and superior strategic skills to stop the opposing offense and outmaneuver their defense, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted trophy to Lanier High School; and
WHEREAS, the team's statistics were impressive, with great performances by individual players, and the key to the Bulldogs' consistent success has been their year-round hard work and superb dedication to excellence on the court; and
WHEREAS, the Bulldogs, 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: Cameron Foster, Joshua Washington, Michael Brown, Tobias Dawkins, Shamar Moffett, Damaurian Edwards, Corterious Shaw, Nick Turner, Rodney Burrell, Sacario Hamilton and Greg Franklin; and
WHEREAS, Head Coach Lawrence "Bo" Clark has superbly coached and inspired the Bulldogs and broadened their knowledge of the game while refining their skills in execution, and he 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 when he was diagnosed with pneumonia shortly before the playoffs began, Assistant Coach Rafael Anderson stepped up and led the team throughout the playoffs, culminating in the Bulldogs winning the state championship; and
WHEREAS, the members of this exceptional 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 the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding student-athletes, especially those such as the Lanier High School Bulldogs Boys Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite team, Head Coach Lawrence "Bo" Clark and Assistant Coach Rafael Anderson, who have brought honor to Lanier High School and to the great Magnolia State:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Lanier High School Bulldogs Boys Basketball Team upon winning the
2020-2021 MHSAA Boys 4A Basketball Championship, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Lawrence "Bo" Clark and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.