House Resolution 103

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2021-2022 BOONEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BLUE DEVILS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 3A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Booneville High School Blue Devils Boys Basketball Team reign supreme yet again after finishing the 2021-2022 season with an impressive 26-5 record, and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 3A State Basketball Championship, their fifth state boys' basketball championship; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season, the Blue Devils played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, and after falling short in 2021, the Blue Devils refused to be state runners-up again, vowing to leave the State Championship tournament with the coveted Gold Ball trophy; and

WHEREAS, during the State Championship game on March 5, 2022, the Blue Devils' 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 Southeast Lauderdale High School in a 47-35 win; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the team relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop the opposing offense and outmaneuver their defense, as they held Southeast Lauderdale to a season low 35 points, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted trophy back to the Booneville High School trophy case for the first time since 2011; and

WHEREAS, during the championship game, the Blue Devils kept their focus and played one of their best games of the season, and after falling behind 8-2 to start the game, the Blue Devils ended the first quarter on an 8-0 run to lead 10-8, and after leading at the half 18-15, the Blue Devils took control of the game in the third quarter and never looked back; and

WHEREAS, the Booneville High School Blue Devils Basketball Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: JJ Brown, LJ Shumpert, Dalton Jackson, Caleb Gaston, Landon Brown, Kedrick Simmons, Dicorean McGee, Jekemry Bell, Briley McKinney, Clark Janzen, Trent Rocker, Josh Dukes, Alec Nunley, James Dukes, Kade White, Riley Barnes, Rokendis Coleman, Elijah Shumpert, Matthew Windham and Gage Harrelson; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Devils have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Michael Smith and Assistant Coaches Micah Moment, Bryant Tynes, Chip Johnson, Kenny Paul Geno and Cole Lauderdale, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, each coach 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 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 Booneville High School Blue Devils Boys Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student athletes, Head Coach Michael Smith and Assistant Coaches Micah Moment, Bryant Tynes, Chip Johnson, Kenny Paul Geno and Cole Lauderdale, who have brought honor to Booneville High School, the City of Booneville, the Booneville Separate School District, the Booneville School Board 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 Booneville High School Blue Devils Boys Basketball Team upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A 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 Michael Smith and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.