Senate Resolution 63

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE YAZOO CITY HIGH SCHOOL "INDIANS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH ANTHONY CARLYLE FOR WINNING THE MHSAA CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 27 YEARS.

WHEREAS, on March 2, 2023, Yazoo City High School "Indians" Boys Basketball Team rolled over the defending champ Raymond High School in the 4A Championship Game. It was the "Indians" Coach Anthony Carlyle's sixth career championship at his third different school; and

WHEREAS, behind the play of Juniors Damarion Winston and Tamarion Hoover, the "Indians" got past powerhouse Raymond 53-43 to claim the MHSAA Boys Class 4A State Championship at the Mississippi Coliseum. It is the "Indians" (30-5) second State Title in school history and first since 1996; and

WHEREAS, "We wanted to hit them early with pressure," said Yazoo City Coach Anthony Carlyle. "We're a very good defensive team and do a good job of keeping people in front of us and not give up anything easy." The "Indians" never trailed; and

WHEREAS, Yazoo City held a slim 11-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. The "Indians" went on a 11-4 run in the second quarter to stretch their lead out to 22-11 and eventually hold a 28-15 lead at halftime. Raymond clawed back into it as the "Rangers" went on a 10-2 run to begin the third quarter to cut Yazoo City's lead 30-25, but the "Indians" ended the third quarter with back-to-back baskets to stretch their lead back out 39-30; and

WHEREAS, the last time Yazoo City won a State Championship was in 1996. Coach Anthony Carlyle was in the fifth grade at the time. Twenty-seven years later, Carlyle led his alma mater to the second State Title in program history; and

WHEREAS, it is Coach Carlyle's sixth title in ten years at three different schools. Carlyle coached Velma Jackson to titles in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017, Columbus in 2018 and returned to bring his alma mater back to the promised land. Carlyle's father Archie Carlyle, was the Coach for the "Indians" in the 1996 Title Team. He is 6-0 in Championship Games; and

WHEREAS, behind a stellar defensive strategy along with the play of Tamarion Hoover, Yazoo City got past South Pike 46-35 in a defensive slugfest in the Semifinal Round of the MHSAA Boys Class 4A Basketball Playoffs at the Mississippi Coliseum on February 27, 2023; and

WHEREAS, the 2022-2023 Yazoo City Championship Roster is: Daveon Henry, William Grayson, Damarion Winston, Dalon Henry, Kor'tae Meadows, Travis Jones, Jacolby Little, Chris Steveon Gates, Demond Collum, Caleb Crozier, Xa Quarius Thomas, Cheimion Banks, Ja Corion Taylor, Tierral Rials, Jr., Jamarion Bryant, Jermon Baymon; and Head Coach Anthony Carlyle; and

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Yazoo City High School "Indians" Boys Basketball Team and Coach Anthony Carlyle for winning the MHSAA Class 4A State Championship for the first time in 27 years, and extend the best wishes of the Mississippi Senate to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Anthony Carlyle and Yazoo City Principal Dr. Kelvin Fuller, forwarded to the Yazoo City School Board and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.