House Resolution 59

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2024-2025 CENTRAL HINDS ACADEMY LADY COUGARS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACHES HENRY GANTZ AND SHELBY GANTZ UPON WINNING THE MIDSOUTH ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS CLASS AAAA STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Central Hinds Academy Lady Cougars Basketball Team reigned supreme after finishing the 2024-2025 season with an impressive record, and capturing the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Class AAAA State Basketball Championship; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season, the Lady Cougars played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of fortitude, and during the state championship game, their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first hustled onto the court until the final buzzer buzzed, as they outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered their opponent; and

WHEREAS, in addition to winning the MAIS Class AAAA State Championship, the Lady Cougars also won the District AAAA Championship and the South State AAAA Championship; and

WHEREAS, during the championship game, the Lady Cougars relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop the opposing offense and outmaneuver their defense, which allowed them to bring the coveted Gold Ball Trophy back to the Central Hinds Academy trophy case; and

WHEREAS, the Central Hinds Academy Lady Cougars are comprised of the following talented athletes: Stella Havard, Kathryn Strong, Emily Ray Mason, Jaci Bland, Kayla Houston, Amiyah Taylor, Maddie Shaw, Ramsee Evans, Paylin Maw, Ollie Grace McLendon, Scarlett Rodgers, Amory Grzanich, Kannon Cowart and Katherine Fowler; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Cougars have been superbly coached and inspired by Coaches Henry Gantz and Shelby Gantz, 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 members of this team will carry the unforgettable memories they made along their way to championship status, whether it be the long hours in the weight room or the grueling practices, as well as the lessons of hard work, dedication and perseverance learned during this amazing season, throughout their lives as they are constantly flooded with the feeling of greatness that accompanies being a champion; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially that displayed by the Central Hinds Academy Lady Cougars Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes and Coaches Henry Gantz and Shelby Gantz, who have brought honor to Central Hinds Academy and to the great State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 2024-2025 Central Hinds Academy Lady Cougars Basketball Team and Coaches Henry Gantz and Shelby Gantz upon winning the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Class AAAA State 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 Coaches Henry Gantz and Shelby Gantz and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.