Senate Resolution 81

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE CANTON HIGH SCHOOL "TIGERS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH B.J. TOWNSEND FOR THEIR THRILLING VICTORY IN THE MHSAA CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, before the game started, hundreds of fans were still trying to make their way into the Mississippi Coliseum while seats filled up in seconds. One of the most anticipated MHSAA state tournament basketball games delivered excitement from start to finish. Raucous noise from around 8,500 fans filled the arena with every goal; and

WHEREAS, the Canton High School "Tigers" Boys Basketball Team (26-4) used the energy from the crowd to swing a 58-40 win over rival Yazoo City (28-6) in the MHSAA Class 5A State Championship Game on March 2, 2024, to claim its first Boys Title since 1997; and

WHEREAS, Jamarion Fleming highlighted the reason why he was a Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen selection and a 2024 Class 5A MHSAA Mr. Basketball winner. Relentless pressure down low, producing 25 points and six rebounds was plenty for Canton; and

WHEREAS, "Fleming worked for tonight. He put in the work, and he showed up on the biggest night in his life as of right now," Canton Coach B.J. Townsend said. "He still has a lot more basketball to go, but as of today, all his hard work paid off." Coach Townsend joined in with the crowd's celebrations off steals, dunks, or any of the points Canton scored. "The energy from the crowd and then seeing my guys love to play the game and love to play as hard as they played. Those are the things that get me going," he exclaimed. An adoring crowd that cheered the boys on was only fitting for the "Tigers" to deliver on Mississippi high school basketball's biggest stage; and

WHEREAS, the 2023-2024 Canton High School "Tigers" Boys Basketball Team Class 5A Championship Roster: Jamarion Fleming, Armani Watson, DeAndre Lewis, Jayden Cration, Jaylon Hollins, Jadarious Esco, Cesar Rodriguez, Zakirius Gilkey, Joshua Brown, Braylen Reaves, Cameron Warren, T.J. Hoskin and Jaylon Ross; Head Coach B.J. Townsend; Assistant Coaches LaPrecious Thompson, Sebron Carter, Horatio Jackson, Rodney Harris and Christian Howard; and Managers Jordan Ross and Isaac Hamblin; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of 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 Canton High School "Tigers" Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach B.J. Townsend for their thrilling victory in the MHSAA Class 5A State Championship, and extend our best wishes to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach B.J. Townsend and Canton Principal Pamela Self, PhD, for the team, forwarded to the Canton School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.