MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2021 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Bell (65th)

House Resolution 56

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2020-2021 JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE SWAC REGULAR SEASON BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

     WHEREAS, the Jackson State University Tigers Men's Basketball Team reign supreme after finishing the 2020-2021 season with an impressive record, and capturing the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Regular Season Basketball Championship; and

     WHEREAS, throughout their season, the Tigers played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, and during the regular season SWAC 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 Alabama State University in a 79-54 win; 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 outmaneuvered their defense, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted trophy back to the Jackson State University trophy case; and

     WHEREAS, during the championship game, the Tigers kept their focus and played one of their best games of the season, as they led for nearly 36 minutes of action in the contest, jumping out to a first half lead of 43-26 at the break, and in the second half, Jackson State led by its largest lead of the night by 25 points with just under three minutes left to go in the game; and

     WHEREAS, Jackson State overwhelmingly defeated Alabama State by a whopping 79-54 in the regular season finale, which improved their overall record to 11-5 for the season and concluded their SWAC play with a perfect 11-0 record; and

     WHEREAS, Tristan Jarrett led the Tigers with 22 points on the night, and Jonas James added 17 points and six rebounds while Cainan McClelland had 12 points and five steals on the night and Darrian Wilson tallied 11 points and drained three out of four shots from the three-point range; and

     WHEREAS, the Jackson State University Tigers Basketball Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: Demarion Bariffe-Smith, Darius Hicks, Ken Evans, Jonas James, Tristan Jarrett, Cainan McClelland, Jayveous McKinnis, Darrian Wilson, Kelvin Wesley, Wesley Taylor, Hezekiah Quinlan, Charles Dismuke, Kesaiah Parks, Isaiah Williams, Micheal Tate, Jr., Larry Kuimi, Jalani Bell, Darryl Jordan and Geronimo Warner; and

     WHEREAS, the Tigers have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Wayne Brent and Assistant Coaches Cason Burk, De'Suan Dixon and Christopher Woodall, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

     WHEREAS, Coaches Brent, Burk, Dixon and Woodall 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 Tigers Men's Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes, Head Coach Wayne Brent and Assistant Coaches Cason Burk, De'Suan Dixon and Christopher Woodall, who have brought honor to Jackson State University, the City of Jackson and to the great State of Mississippi:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 2020-2021 Jackson State University Men's Basketball Team upon winning the 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 Wayne Brent and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.