Senate Resolution 133

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BOONEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL "BLUE DEVILS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH MICHAEL SMITH FOR WINNING THEIR THIRD CONSECUTIVE CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, Booneville Coach Michael Smith made all the right moves for the boys team in a 46-43 overtime win over Coahoma County on March 2, 2024, for its third consecutive state title; and

WHEREAS, the "Blue Devils" (29-2) had to overcome a three-point deficit in overtime against the "Panthers," and "Blue Devil" senior guard Alec Nunley coolly hit a 3-point shot from the top of the key to give the "Blue Devils" team that lead and the win; and

WHEREAS, Nunley said the three-peat was Booneville's goal from before the first practice. The "Blue Devils" always focus on the team goal rather than individual accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Coach Smith has coached the boys team to four state championships since 2011, and this was the "Blue Devils" fourth consecutive trip to the championship game. "This is a special group of kids," Smith said. "These seniors have played in the finals every year"; and

WHEREAS, the 2023-2024 Booneville Championship Team Roster is: Jekemry Bell, Rhett Smith, Dalton Jackson, Landon Brown, Briley McKinney, Kedrick Simmons, Caden Ruth, Elijah Shumpert, Jacadien Simmons, Isaiah Jackson, Erik Daniel Dukes, Elijah Dukes, Alec Nunley, Kydon Smith, Camryn Hampton, Kole Wildmon, Devin Miller, Matthew Windham and Head Coach Michael Smith; 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 Booneville High School "Blue Devils" Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Michael Smith for winning their third consecutive Class 3A State Championship, and extend to the players, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Michael Smith and Booneville Principal Amy Goers for the team, forwarded to the Prentiss County Board of Education and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.