Senate Resolution 71

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LOUISVILLE HIGH SCHOOL "LADY WILDCATS" GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH MITCHELL MCCURRY FOR WINNING THE MHSAA CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WHICH IS THEIR THIRD TITLE IN SCHOOL HISTORY.

WHEREAS, behind the play of Jacylin Houston, along with second half defense, the Louisville High School "Lady Wildcats" held off Pontotoc 37-36 in a thriller to claim the MHSAA Girls Class 4A State Championship at the Mississippi Coliseum on March 2, 2023; and

WHEREAS, it is the "Lady Wildcats" (30-3) third State Title in school history and first since 2019. Louisville went into the game with only two losses on the season. The "Lady Wildcats" did not make it past round one last year. But this season was a different story; and

WHEREAS, "Houston is an amazing talent, and she comes into the gym everyday with the mentality of work and she works harder than any kid I've ever coached," said Louisville Coach Mitchell McCurry. "All of that hard work paid off tonight"; and

WHEREAS, Pontotoc jumped out to a 9-2 lead to begin the first quarter, but as time expired, Houston hit a three-pointer to cut the lead to 13-7. The second quarter was back and forth, but Pontotoc held a 23-17 lead at halftime. The third quarter was a defensive slugfest that saw a combined 11 points. Aniyah Hunter scored all seven points for Louisville as the "Lady Wildcats" cut the Pontotoc lead down to 27-24 heading into the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, Hunter then took over for the "Lady Wildcats," as she gave Louisville their first advantage of the game with a three-pointer to take a 30-27 lead with six minutes left; and

WHEREAS, Houston had a game-high 22 points to lead Louisville and was named the games' Most Valuable Player; and

WHEREAS, the 2022-2023 "Lady Wildcats" Championship Roster:

Jykia Clemons, Jacylin Houston, Aniyah Hunter, Keeli Latham, Courtney McDonald, Faith Moore, Tyriunna Steele, Kelis Vaughn, Sumeria Miller, Antonesha Robertson, Makayla Sam, Nakiya Hannah, Tah’rijah Johnson, Lakendrianna Daniels; and Head Coach Mitchell McCurry; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student athletes who have brought honor to their team, 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 Louisville High School "Lady Wildcats" Girls Basketball Team and Head Coach Mitchell McCurry for winning the MHSAA Class 4A State Championship which is their third title in school history, and extend the best wishes of the Senate to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Mitchell McCurry and Louisville Principal Danya Turner for the team, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of the Louisville School District and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.