House Resolution 79

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2024-2025 PARKLANE ACADEMY LADY PIONEERS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH VICKI RUTLAND UPON WINNING THE MIDSOUTH ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (MAIS) OVERALL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on February 26, 2025, the Parklane Academy Lady Pioneers Basketball Team defeated Madison-Ridgeland Academy Lady Patriots in the 2025 Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Overall Basketball Championship, incredibly bringing home to McComb Parklane's first Overall championship trophy since 1993; and

WHEREAS, the championship, played at Mississippi College in Clinton, proved to be quite a nailbiter, with the Lady Pioneers trailing the entire game, sometimes by double digits, from the tip-off until less than three minutes remained on the clock in the final quarter when junior Zoe Alford scored a three-pointer, giving the Pioneers a one-point lead; and

WHEREAS, while both teams showcased exemplary skill and determination on the hardwood, the Lady Pioneers played with a singular goal to keep fighting regardless of the score, and their mental stamina and unimaginable amount of fortitude never wavered for a moment, despite the uphill battle, as they outlasted and ultimately overpowered their opponent with a 45-42 victory; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the MAIS Overall title, the 28-5 Lady Pioneers, loyally supported and encouraged with each challenging game on both their home court and away by the school administration and local community, finished their 2024-2025 season with a 5A South-State title and second place finish in the Class 5A Tournament; and

WHEREAS, the Parklane Academy Lady Pioneers' success is attributable to the remarkable commitment and hard work of its talented student-athletes, including: Brenley Caston, AB Hemphill, Sydney Brewer, Lay Jackson, Carlyle Carruth, Mady Rayborn, Lexi Lott, Zoe Alford, Carley Melton, Jaden Hall, Anna Sawyer, Kherington Weekley, scorekeeper Sara Harden, and statistician Missy Carruth; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Pioneers have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Vicki Rutland, Assistant Coach Tammy Gillihan, and Volunteer Coaches Joe Campbell and Carol Reeves, 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 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 away from school together, as well as the lessons of hard work, dedication and perseverance learned during this amazing season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence such as that displayed by the Parklane Academy Lady Pioneers Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes and Coach Vicki Rutland, who have brought honor to Parklane Academy, 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, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 2024-2025 Parklane Academy Lady Pioneers Basketball Team and Coach Vicki Rutland upon winning the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Overall 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 Parklane Academy, Coach Vicki Rutland and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.