House Concurrent Resolution 63

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2024-2025 CHOCTAW CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL LADY WARRIORS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH ELYSE WILLIS UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 4A BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on March 1, 2025, the Choctaw Central High School Lady Warriors Basketball Team defeated the Morton High School Lady Panthers in the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A Basketball Championship, incredibly bringing home to Choctaw Central the team's ninth championship trophy and first state title since 2022; and

WHEREAS, the championship game, played at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson, proved the Choctaw Central team to be the true victor, with the Lady Warriors rolling from start to finish, continuing its habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, with 18 matchups won by 21 or more points this season; and

WHEREAS, with the lead changing seven times and the score being tied once, the state contest was quite a nailbiter that left fans sitting on the edge of their seats until Choctaw Central ultimately secured the team's nineteenth consecutive win when it clinched a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter; and

WHEREAS, while both teams showcased exemplary skill and determination on the hardwood, the 30-2 Lady Warriors, on the smaller side as a team, drilled down on defense, and with the ladies' mental stamina and fortitude on both sides of the ball never wavering for a moment, they outlasted and overpowered their opponent in the championship with a 52-31 victory in just 32 minutes; and

WHEREAS, several players on the Lady Warriors squad performed exceptionally well in the championship, with sisters Raiyleigh Perry scoring 12 points with seven rebounds and Kailynn Perry, who was named Most Valuable Player for the game, scoring 12 points with six rebounds, along with Yazzlyn Alex scoring nine points with six rebounds; and

WHEREAS, the Choctaw Central Lady Warriors' phenomenal success, particularly winning by an average of 28.3 points over their 19-game winning streak, can be chalked up to the remarkable commitment and hard work of all of its talented student-athletes, including Yuriana Crosby, Jazmyn Bohannon, Raiyleigh Perry, Ansley Ben, A'Yaan Cotton, Roslyn Bohannon, Karidee Willis, Tia John, Neliah Bell, Zyanna Thomas, Hailey Jefferson, Yazzlyn Alex, Reannan Thomas, Brecailyn Billy, and Kailynn Perry, and team managers Caslyn Williams, Dacey Jefferson, and Emilayton Jim; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Warriors have been superbly coached and inspired by second-year Head Coach Elyse Willis, who spent 14 years as an assistant coach at Choctaw Central, and Assistant Coach Renate Ben, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and they continue to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member; and

WHEREAS, the state championship win marks the first as a head coach for Elyse Willis, who attributes much of the Lady Warriors' outstanding playing to the support and encouragement delivered by the school administration, the team's loyal fanbase, and particularly, the Tribal community at each and every challenging game, whether on the home court or away; and

WHEREAS, the members of this team will forever carry the unforgettable memories they made along the way to their hard-earned championship status, whether it be the long hours of grueling practices or just spending time off the court together, as well as the lessons of hard work, dedication and perseverance learned during this amazing season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence such as that displayed by the Choctaw Central Lady Warriors Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes and Coach Elyse Willis, who have brought honor to Choctaw Central High School, their families and community, and to 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 2024-2025 Choctaw Central High School Lady Warriors Basketball Team and Coach Elyse Willis upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A Basketball 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 Choctaw Central High School, Coach Elyse Willis and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.