House Resolution 97

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WEST LAUDERDALE HIGH SCHOOL LADY KNIGHTS FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH JAKE LOPER UPON WINNING THEIR FIRST 2023 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the 2023 West Lauderdale High School Lady Knights Fast-pitch Softball Team clinched a well-deserved victory when they defeated North Pike to win the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A Fast-pitch Softball State Championship, their first in school history; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Knights softball team, who finished their season with an overall 28-9 record, a district record of 8-2 and a playoff record of 10-1, wielded its exceptionally powerful bats and remarkable defensive strategy to pierce through the state championship dreams of each of their opponents in the state playoffs; and

WHEREAS, striving to win with unparalleled motivation and ardent determination, the Lady Knights, who were also the North State Champions, played their best games of the season during the championship series, as their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first walked onto that red, dusty diamond until the last out was made; and

WHEREAS, pitcher Mabry Eason hurled a six-inning, no-hitter and slammed a three-run homer to push West Lauderdale over the top in an 11-0 win over North Pike to clinch the state championship at the University of Southern Mississippi Softball Complex; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Knights did not waste any time on offense during the championship game, as they plated four runs in the first inning, and three of those came on Eason's home run, a no-doubter over the centerfield fence on a 1-and-1 fastball, and they picked up four more runs in the third, one in the fourth and two more in the sixth; and

WHEREAS, Mabry Eason finished the day 3-for-3 with four RBIs, Class 4A Miss Softball, Breelyn Cain, was 2-for-2 with two RBIs and a walk, and catcher, Raegan Brady, doubled and drove in two runs; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Knights team statistics were impressive, but the key to this team's consistent success has been the constant selfless atmosphere, the true love they each possess for the game, and the year-round hard work by each and every talented and distinguished player; and

WHEREAS, the West Lauderdale High School Lady Knights Fast-pitch Softball Team is comprised of the following athletes: Ryleigh Turbville, Mallory Claire Robinson, Raegan Brady, Ava Wilkerson, McKinley Maxwell, Brooke Baltzell, Annisten Snider, Addison Cornish, Lily Kaye Joiner, Breelyn Cain, Caroline Walker, Jena Shirley, Brooklee Harbour, Sumayah Cole, Kamryn Willoughby, Lexie Lewis, Courtney Lewis, Mabry Eason, Carsyn Mott, Emma McNeill and Laci Boswell; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Jake Loper has not only superbly coached and inspired the Lady Knights but also broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, in their tireless dedication, the Lady Knights have developed a winning, cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitudes reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches, bringing honor to West Lauderdale High School and the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the West Lauderdale High School Lady Knights Fast-pitch Softball Team, whose excellence on the field and in the classroom bring honor to their school, their community and to the 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 West Lauderdale High School Lady Knights Fast-pitch Softball Team and Head Coach Jake Loper upon winning their first 2023 Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A Fast-pitch Softball State Championship and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Jake Loper and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.