Senate Resolution 60

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE RAYMOND HIGH SCHOOL "RANGERS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH TONY TADLOCK FOR WINNING THEIR SECOND CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE IN THE LAST THREE YEARS.

WHEREAS, the Raymond High School "Rangers" Boys Basketball Team, led by Senior Forward Eric Paymon, Jr., has been the top team in Class 4A this season and won their second title in three years; and

WHEREAS, the "Rangers" had a remarkable season going 31-4. The team finished 10-0 in their district and claimed the Regular Season District Title along with winning the District Championship; and

WHEREAS, the "Rangers" had many accomplishments this season. They won more games than any public school in the State of Mississippi. The "Rangers" won the Gulfport Holiday Classic where they defeated Princeton, Ohio; Olive Branch, Mississippi; and in the Championship, Windemere Prep, Florida, over a three-day span; and

WHEREAS, the "Rangers" avenged an early season loss to the Choctaw Central "Warriors" in the semifinals, defeating them 66-53. Then in the Class 4A State Championship Game, the "Rangers" defeated the McComb "Tigers" for a fourth time, 53-28 to bring home the Gold Ball Trophy; and

WHEREAS, the "Rangers" not only finished as the top team in MHSAA Class 4A, but they also finished as the top team capturing the #1 ranking in the state in all polls. This is the second time in the last three seasons that the Raymond "Rangers" finished as the unanimous #1 team in the state. The Raymond "Rangers" have now played for eight-straight State Championships, winning five of them; and

WHEREAS, the Raymond High School "Rangers" Boys Basketball Championship 2024 Team Roster: Seniors: Dyllen Buckner, Adonis Dixon, Keymarius Lewis, Gekylenn Mosley, Eric Paymon, Chris Stephens, Mekhi Strong, Demarion Terry and Kemonte Wright; Juniors: Jaydon Clark, Cameron Cornelius, Jaydn Garrett, Brandon Jones, Willie Myles, Eli Robinson, Brandon Walker, Kaleb Williams and Quitten Wright; Sophomore: Tanari Stewart; Managers: Rashad Kennedy, Amodra Moffett, Lance Mosley, Aavery Payne, Jayden Singleton and Cailynn Williams; Head Coach Tony Tadlock; and Assistant Coaches: Richard Caston, Joyce Moore Dawson and Satoria McPhearson; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these 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 Raymond High School "Rangers" Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Tony Tadlock for winning their second Class 4A State Championship Title in the last three years, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Tony Tadlock and Raymond High School Principal Charles Willis for the team, forwarded to the Hinds County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.