Senate Resolution 75

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE COAHOMA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL "RED PANTHERS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH DERRICK MOORE FOR WINNING THE MHSAA CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, ITS FIFTH TITLE SINCE 2017.

WHEREAS, after narrowly missing out on a State Title last year, the Coahoma County High School "Red Panthers" raced past Region 3-2A rival Northside 67-34 to claim the MHSAA Boys Class 2A State Championship on March 3, 2023, at the Mississippi Coliseum; and

WHEREAS, it is Coahoma County's (30-2) fifth State Title in the last seven seasons and the program's seventh State Ttitle overall. The "Red Panthers" started the season 0-2 and ended the season on a 30-game winning streak; and

WHEREAS, "We've been tough," said Coahoma County Coach Derrick Moore. "It's sweet, because we had a chip on our shoulder. We had Delta pride, and the loss to Pine Grove last year made us hungry, so anything less of a championship was a bust this season"; and

WHEREAS, Coahoma County jumped out to a 21-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. They never looked back, which was highlighted by a 13-0 run to end the opening frame. The "Red Panthers" held a 29-13 lead at halftime. Coahoma County went on a 9-0 run to end the third quarter, and held Northside to just four points to build a 42-17 lead headed to the fourth; and

WHEREAS, Cam'ron Bell had a game-high of 23 points to lead Coahoma County and was named the game's Most Valuable Player. Hershel Washington added 10 points for the "Red Panthers"; and

WHEREAS, the "Red Panthers" coasted through the postseason defeating their opponents by 16 points per game; and

WHEREAS, the 2022-2023 "Red Panthers" Roster: Demarjay Rucker, Harlem Bell, Cam'ron Bell, Kesean Maddox, Hershel Washington, Jeremy Qualls, Druterrium Magsby, Deandre Rucker, Jerasmus Eagins, Caleb Hearn, Zechariah Smith and Coach Derrick Moore; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of championship 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 Coahoma County High School "Red Panthers" Boys Basketball Team and Coach Derrick Moore for winning the MHSAA Class 2A State Championship, its fifth title 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 Derrick Moore and Coahoma Principal Shun Readus for the team, forwarded to the Coahoma County Board of Education and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.