House Resolution 103

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BELMONT HIGH SCHOOL LADY CARDINALS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2024 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 3A GIRLS BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Belmont High School Lady Cardinals Basketball Team reigned victorious against Booneville High School Lady Blue Devils to win the 2024 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 3A Girls Basketball State Championship, the team's thirteenth state championship, and its first since 2021; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Cardinals' motto of "Together we can" was never more evident than in the championship game against the two-time defending champion Lady Devils, as the Lady Cardinals' mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first hustled onto the court until the final buzzer buzzed, and to claim this illustrious victory, the team relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic moves, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted championship title back home to Belmont High School; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Cardinals basketball team is comprised of the following talented student-athletes: Carlie Brock, Alaina Hubbard, Maya Southward, Mckinley Bennett, Brooklyn Dill, Kat Reno, Aubree Scott, Abby Lincoln, Karsyn Sullivan, Presley Ross, Sadie Randolph, Kendyl Sparks, Hailey Carouthers, Hailey Ivey, Zoe Henley, Amber Holcomb, Miesha Johnson and Hannah Nieto-Hale; and WHEREAS, the Lady Cardinals have been superbly coached and tremendously inspired by Head Coach Chris Higginbottom and Assistant Coach Harrison Fancher, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, as they continue to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in their ability to produce high caliber players and plays, and by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, the members of this team will surely carry the unforgettable memories they made along their way to championship status, whether it be the long hours of grueling practices, as well as the lessons of hard work, dedication and perseverance learned during this amazing season, throughout their lives as they are constantly flooded with the feeling of greatness that accompanies being a champion; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend exceptional Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the Lady Cardinals, whose hard work and dedication brings honor to Belmont High School 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 Belmont High School Lady Cardinals Girls Basketball Team and Coach Chris Higginbottom for winning the 2024 MHSAA Class 3A Girls Basketball State Championship, and extend best wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Belmont High School Lady Cardinals Girls Basketball Team, Coach Chris Higginbottom, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.