House Concurrent Resolution 40

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WEST LAUDERDALE HIGH SCHOOL LADY KNIGHTS FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH JAKE LOPER UPON WINNING BACK-TO-BACK STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH THEIR VICTORY IN THE 2024 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 4A FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the 2024 West Lauderdale High School Lady Knights Fast-Pitch Softball Team incredibly made school history again by winning, for a second consecutive year, the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A Fast-Pitch Softball State Championship when the team defeated the Purvis Tornadoes in Game 2 of the three-game series; and

WHEREAS, after winning their first ever state title in 2023, the Lady Knights, who finished their 2024 season with an impressive overall record of 35-4, appeared ready to bring the state title home when the squad handily beat the Tornadoes 5-1 in Game 1 of the series; and

WHEREAS, Game 2 at the University of Southern Mississippi Softball Complex, however, proved to be a nailbiter, with the Lady Knights actually trailing by two-runs in the fifth inning before finding themselves tied 6-6 with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the seventh; and

WHEREAS, with leadoff hitter Addison Cornish back at the plate after having hit a game-tying, two-run homer in the sixth inning, West Lauderdale's hopes for a hit were never realized although the team eagerly clinched the championship when Cornish, at 3-0, was pitched the game winning ball four, resulting in a walk-off walk for the Class 4A state championship; and

WHEREAS, Cornish's spectacular performance in the series, having batted 5-for-8 with one walk, three-runs and five RBIs in the two games, earned her the distinction of being named the series Most Valuable Player; and

WHEREAS, while each member of the Lady Knights persistently gave her all with unparalleled motivation and ardent determination to win, a huge part of the team's 2024 success was the phenomenal pitching throughout the season of senior, Breelyn Cain, whose tremendous ability both in the circle and at the plate earned her the title "Miss Softball" for Class 4A in the State of Mississippi for a second straight year; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Knights team record and statistics in 2024 were impressive, but the key to the team's consistent success has been the constant selfless atmosphere, the true love each member possesses for the game, and the year-round hard work by each and every talented and distinguished player to be the best athlete she can possibly be; and

WHEREAS, the West Lauderdale High School Lady Knights Fast-Pitch Softball Team is comprised of the following athletes: seniors, Breelyn Cain, Kamryn Willoughby, Carsyn Mott, Raegan Brady, Emma McNeill and Manager Brooklee Harbour; juniors, Ava Wilkerson, Caroline Walker and Courtney Lewis; sophomores, Jena Shirley, Addison Cornish and Manager Lauren Skinner; freshmen, Macie Holloway, Lexie Lewis, Annisten Snider, Kylie Smith, McKinley Johnson, Alivia Shows and Manager Laci Boswell; and eighth graders, Callie Cottrill, Aubri Cooper and Olivia Hayes; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Knights have been superbly coached and inspired by second-year Head Coach Jake Loper and Assistant Coaches Lindsey Beard, Beverly McKnight, Jeremiah McKee and Hannah McKee, who have broadened the players' 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, both on the field and off, 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 custom of the Legislature 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, community and the entire State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, 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 back-to-back state championships with their victory in the 2024 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, West Lauderdale High School and the members of the Capitol Press Corps.