Senate Resolution 64

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NORTHWEST RANKIN HIGH SCHOOL "COUGARS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH JOSHUA LUCKETT FOR WINNING ITS FIRST MHSAA 6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN A HIGHLY ANTICIPATED "BATTLE FOR RANKIN COUNTY."

WHEREAS, the highly anticipated "Battle for Rankin County" ended with the Golden Ball travelling to the north side of I-20, as Northwest Rankin High School defeated Brandon 66-52 in the Class 6A Boys State Championship on March 4, 2023; and

WHEREAS, despite losing both games in the regular season to the "Bulldogs," the "Cougars" won when it counted. Senior Guard Brendan Brown led the "Cougars" with 20 points, five assists and two steals after 29 points in the semifinals, and was named the game's MVP. "This was the battle of Rankin County, so it was big, and now we own Rankin County," Brendan Brown said; and

WHEREAS, the Championship is the first boys basketball title in Northwest Rankin history. The "Cougars" jumped out to a 20-8 lead and cruised to a 14-point victory over their crosstown rival; and

WHEREAS, the 2022-2023 Northwest Rankin High School "Cougars" Boys Basketball Championship Team Roster: Brendan Brown, Evan Walker, Javien Crump, Kaleb Hutchins, Jamarian Jenkins, Kamauri Oscar, Kanare'yun Terell, Justin Smith, De'Shawn Dillion, Elijah Smith, Ginorrian Banks, Jaylen Gaddis, Maddox Trigg, Kaleb Boggans, Levionne Lindsey, Magnum Henderson, Isaiah Goree, Kole Burleson, Cameron McFarland, Harley Cash Moore, Dominick Sanabria and Landon Sisco; Head Coach Joshua Luckett and Assistant Coach Rogerick Magee; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student athletes whose first-ever State Championship has 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 Northwest Rankin High School "Cougars" Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Joshua Luckett for winning its first MHSAA 6A State Championship in a highly anticipated "Battle for Rankin County," and extend to the players, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Joshua Luckett and Northwest Rankin Principal Lewis Bradford for the team, forwarded to the Rankin County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.