MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2022 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Hill

Senate Concurrent Resolution 603

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE "WILDCATS" MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH CHRIS ONEY FOR WINNING ITS THIRD CONSECUTIVE MACCC TITLE.

     WHEREAS, it took overtime to get it done, but the No. 22 Pearl River Men's Basketball Team clinched its third consecutive Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) Title with a thrilling overtime 80-70 victory over No. 21 Northeast Mississippi.  The victory over the Tigers snapped their 31-game home winning streak; and

     WHEREAS, we knew going into the game that one streak had to end," Head Coach Chris Oney said.  "It was either our conference winning streak or their home winning streak.  "It's exciting to get to host the tournament for the college and for the town," he said; and

     WHEREAS, the teams traded the lead off and on for most of the second half.  Pearl River took a slim 59-57 lead after Jaronn Wilkens (Biloxi) was perfect from the free-throw line.  Late in the game, Northeast reclaimed the lead 64-62, but Pearl River got a clutch offensive rebound and put it back up to tie the score, 64-64.  Both teams had a chance at the end to win, but neither were able to convert, sending the game to overtime.  In overtime, Pearl River jumped out to an early overtime lead to 74-66.  The Wildcats rode the momentum to victory, defeating the Tigers by a final score of 80-70; and

     WHEREAS, Cameron Brown led the way for the Wildcats with 19 points, matching his season-high.  He also finished with four rebounds and three assists.  Earl Smith finished second on the team with 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.  Jariyon Wilkens and Carlous Williams rounded out the Wildcats in double figures with 12 each.  The 2022 Pearl River Community College "Wildcats" Championship Team Roster:  Jair Currie, Alex Jordan, Jariyon Wilkens, Jaronn Wilkens, Earl Smith, Jr., J.D. Allen, Cameron Brown, Brison Waller, Carlous Williams, Dylan Brumfield, Ankerion Gross, Jeremiah Foster and Preston Turner; and Head Coach Chris Oney; and

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

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Pearl River Community College "Wildcats" Men's Basketball Team and Head Coach Chris Oney for winning its third consecutive MACCC Title and extend our best wishes to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Chris Oney and Pearl River Community College President Dr. Adam Breerwood, forwarded to the Pearl River Community College Board of Trustees and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.