House Resolution 74

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE COAHOMA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL RED PANTHERS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH DERRICK MOORE FOR WINNING THEIR SECOND CONSECUTIVE MHSAA CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Coahoma County High School Red Panthers Boys Basketball Team, the defending state champions, defeated Newton 46-40 on March 5, 2021, to win the MHSAA Class 2A State Championship, having now won a remarkable four out of the last five titles; and

WHEREAS, after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, crowd capacity at the Mississippi Coliseum was increased to 50%, and fans sprung into action to support their team, resulting in an atmosphere reminiscent of past championship weeks at the Big House; and

WHEREAS, "I'm just happy for those guys, especially the ones who have never been there," said Coahoma County Head Coach Derrick Moore of getting back to the championship game; and

WHEREAS, getting on the brink of a championship was different in 2020-2021, and the Red Panthers only played six regular season games due to the COVID-19 pandemic and had several new players from Coahoma Early College High School; and

WHEREAS, the former Tigers transferred to Coahoma County after CECHS went to a true early college format, and Coach Moore improvised to meet the challenge as he stated, "We brought in the old team for a scrimmage every practice. That was the only way we could generate some kind of game"; and

WHEREAS, the 2021 Coahoma County High School Boys Basketball Class 2A Championship Team Roster is: Christopher Abby, Christian Banks, Chrishunn Banks, Harlem Bell, Cameron Bell, Jatavious Crawford, Jermel Daniels, Cameron Eagins, Gerasmus Eagins, Jeremy George, Keyun Johnson, Mishone Jones, Lamont Lee, Keshawn Maddox, Tyler Martin, Amarian Phillips, Demarjay Rucker, Hershel Washington, Anthony Williams, Martin Williams, Montavious Winfield and Alex Young; Head Coach Derrick Moore and Assistant Coach Charles Nolan; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the defending champions of the MSHAA Class 2A State Championship who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the 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 Coahoma County High School Red Panthers Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Derrick Moore for winning their second consecutive MHSAA Class 2A State Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Derrick Moore, Principal Cortney Jackson, the Coahoma County Board of Education and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.