Senate Resolution 31

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE JACKSON ACADEMY "LADY RAIDERS" GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND AWARD-WINNING COACH JAN SOJOURNER FOR WINNING THE MAIS CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Jackson Academy Girls Basketball Team held defending Class 5A State Champion Jackson Prep scoreless for the last 7 minutes, 27 seconds and scored the last nine points for a come-from-behind, thrilling 35-34 victory on February 27, 2021, for the MAIS Class 5A State Championship at Jackson Prep; and

WHEREAS, Prep led 34-26 after Olivia Smith made a 3-pointer with 7:27 to play, but JA forced Prep into six turnovers and Prep missed its last five shots from the field, including the game-winner, which bounced off the rim at the buzzer. Senior Natalie Thompson and senior and Northwest Mississippi Community College signee McKinna Smith led JA with nine points each. Senior Emily Thompson had a game-high 10 rebounds; and

WHEREAS, the JA/Jackson Prep rivalry has been heated in 2021. JA improved to 29-2 and won its eighth straight game. Prep dropped to 23-4 and lost to JA for the second time in three meetings. Prep won 50-47 in overtime on January 22 at JA and it broke a 10-game winning streak for JA. It was only the second conference loss at home in the past five seasons. JA won 33-29 February 9 at Prep to end Prep's 17-game winning streak. Both teams advanced to the Overall Tournament; and

WHEREAS, JA Coach Jan Sojourner, the second winningest active and third winningest overall girls basketball coach in Mississippi history, won her 987th career game at the Championship Game in her 41st season. She has 885 wins in 36 seasons at JA with an MAIS record six Overall titles; and

WHEREAS, the Jackson Academy "Lady Raiders" Basketball Team Roster is: NaeNae Ellis, Demi Williamson, Natalie Thompson, Lila Eubank, McKinna Smith, Avery Brooks, Ava Couey, Emily Thompson, Elena Roberts, Anna Lauren Parker, Addi Roberts, Mary Peyton Barnette, Emma Roberts, Jordan Bertschler, Lani Roberts, Emily Buchanan and Gracie Coe; Head Coach Jan Sojourner and Assistant Coach Ronnie Rogers; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize a group of student athletes who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Jackson Academy "Lady Raiders" Girls Basketball Team and Award-winning Coach Jan Sojourner for winning the MAIS Class 5A State Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Jan Sojourner for the team, Jackson Academy Headmaster Jack Milne, forwarded to the Jackson Academy Board of Trustees and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.