House Resolution 101

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2021-2022 LAKE HIGH SCHOOL LADY HORNETS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 2A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Lake High School Lady Hornets Basketball Team reigns supreme after finishing the 2021-2022 season with an impressive 24-3 record, and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 2A State Basketball Championship; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season, the Lady Hornets played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, and they not only finished as the first seed in their district, but they also won the Scott County tournament, the district tournament and the south half before continuing on to claim the state championship; and

WHEREAS, during the state 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 Belmont High School in a 46-44 win; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Hornets relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop the opposing offense and outmaneuver their defense, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted trophy back to the Lake High School trophy case for the first time in 21 years; and

WHEREAS, the Lake High School Lady Hornets Basketball Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: T'Lea Hunt, Emonti Earnest, Tra'Shaylah Wilson, Alicia Oliphant, Laneisha Palm, Kelis Odom, Antwonette Pinkston, Taylor Clark, Brooklyn Harris, D'Nara Barton, Aniya Hunt, Lyric Lay and Kaliauna Jones, as well as managers, Denetria Lay, Kenya Banks and Aeranna Coleman; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Hornets have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Maurice Bowie and Assistant Coaches Krista Donald and Shuntequa Lofton, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coaches Bowie, Donald and Lofton 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 Lake High School Lady Hornets Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes, Head Coach Maurice Bowie and Assistant Coaches Krista Donald and Shuntequa Lofton, who have brought honor to Lake High School, the City of Lake 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 2021-2022 Lake High School Lady Hornets Basketball Team upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 2A State 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 Head Coach Maurice Bowie, Principal Joel McCarty, Athletic Director Tate Hanna and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.