House Resolution 151

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2022-2023 BOONEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BLUE DEVILS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 3A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE SEASON.

WHEREAS, the Booneville High School Blue Devils Boys Basketball Team reign supreme yet again after finishing the 2022-2023 season with an impressive 30-2 record, and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 3A State Basketball Championship for the second consecutive season, and the program's fourth state boys' basketball championship; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season, the Blue Devils played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, and during the state championship game on March 4, 2023, 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 Southeast Lauderdale High School Tigers, in a repeat performance of last year's championship showdown for the golden trophy, with a domineering 70-51 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 home the golden basketball for the second consecutive season, as evidenced by the dynamic contributions of Kedrick Simmons with 24 points, Dicorean McGee with an addition of 11 points, while Dalton Jackson and Landon Brown both chipped in 10 points each; and

WHEREAS, during the championship game, the Blue Devils kept their focus and played one of their best games of the season, and initially jumped out to a 9-0 lead at the start of the game, the Blue Devils ended the first quarter with a lead of 20-16, and after leading at the half 30-23, the Blue Devils took control of the game in the third quarter with a 39-27 lead and never looked back, coasting into the fourth quarter with a 46-35 lead before sealing the deal with a 60-45 lead at the midpoint of the fourth; and

WHEREAS, the Booneville High School Blue Devils Basketball Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: Jekemry Bell, Rhett Smith, Dalton Jackson, Landon Brown, Briley McKinney, Kedrick Simmons, Dicorean McGee, Noah Gillon, i'Kerious Leslie, LeByron Tynes, Isaiah Jackson, Trenton Rocker, Elijah Dukes, Alec Nunley, James Dukes, Camryn Hampton, Jayden Williams, Elijah Shumpert, Matthew Windham and Koley Floyd; and

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

WHEREAS, having legendary status this season by becoming the first coach in Mississippi history to win back-to-back boys and girls state championships, Coach Smith 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, plays and undoubtedly, 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, 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 and Head Coach Michael Smith, who have brought honor to their school, community 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 Booneville High School Blue Devils Boys Basketball Team upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class (MHSAA) 3A State Basketball Championship for the second consecutive season, and extend best wishes for continued success in all 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.