House Resolution 104

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

WHEREAS, the Booneville High School Lady Blue Devils Basketball Team reign supreme yet again after finishing the 2021-2022 season with an impressive 29-2 record, and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 3A State Basketball Championship, their third state girls' basketball championship; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season, the Lady Blue Devils played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, and after just a five-win season in 2021, the Lady Blue Devils had a margin of victory during the play-offs of 21.5 points per game, a truly remarkable feat; and

WHEREAS, during the state championship game on March 5, 2022, the Lady 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 Noxubee County High School in a 46-30 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, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted trophy back to the Booneville High School trophy case for the first time since 2016; and

WHEREAS, during the championship game, the Lady Blue Devils kept their focus and played one of their best games of the season, and after trailing at the end of the first quarter 10-9, the Lady Blue Devils regained their footing in the second quarter, outscoring Noxubee County 18-1, and never let off the gas until their championship trophy was hoisted into the air; and

WHEREAS, the Booneville High School Lady Blue Devils Basketball Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: Ava Kate Smith, Josie Dawson, Taitiana Beene, Arlaina Rogers, Chloe Ruth, Emma Cunningham, Hallie Burns, Kylee Johnson, Emsley Murphy, Olivia Garrett, Kaylee Johnson, Avery Wildmon, Myaisha Ogden, Abby Morgan, Meghan Windham, Kymani Smith, Kierra Slack, Jadyn Lindsey, Taylor Brooke White and Kellan Johnson; and

WHEREAS, the Lady 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 Lady Blue Devils 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 Lady Blue Devils 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.