House Resolution 127

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2022-2023 SIMPSON COUNTY ACADEMY COUGARS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH JOSH MCNULTY UPON WINNING THE MIDSOUTH ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (MAIS) CLASS 5A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Simpson County Academy Cougars Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Josh McNulty reigned supreme yet again after finishing the 2022-2023 season with an impressive 27-8 record, and capturing the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Class 5A State Basketball Championship; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season, the Cougars played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of fortitude, and Chanse Funchess, Colin Jenkins, Sawyer Dunn and Gage Smith all made the MAIS 5A All-Tournament Team; and

WHEREAS, during the state championship game, the Cougars played with nothing but strength and determination, as 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 Oak Forest in a 60-50 win; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Cougars 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 Simpson County Academy trophy case, their second championship trophy in as many years; and

WHEREAS, the Simpson County Academy Cougars are comprised of the following talented athletes: Sawyer Dunn, Jay Rankin, Gage Smith, Colin Jenkins, Walker Phillips, Denver Carter, Braden Overby, Chanse Funchess, Bryce Williams, Benjamin Kennedy, Calvin Smith, Riley Clark and Dylan Perdomo; and

WHEREAS, the Cougars have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Josh McNulty, who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and he 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 Simpson County Academy Boys Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes and Head Coach Josh McNulty, who have brought honor to Simpson County Academy 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 2022-2023 Simpson County Academy Cougars Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Josh McNulty upon winning the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Class 5A State Basketball Championship, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Josh McNulty and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.