Senate Resolution 56

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2024-2025 COLUMBUS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY LADY RAMS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH BILLY THOMAS FOR WINNING THEIR SECOND MAIS CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN THREE YEARS.

WHEREAS, on Saturday, February 15, 2025, the Columbus Christian Academy Lady Rams Girls Basketball Team led by Head Coach Billy Thomas won their second MAIS Class AA State Championship in three years; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Rams have accumulated over 100 victories, and their team accomplishments include the following:

· 2023 State Championship;

· 2024 Undefeated Conference Champs;

· 2024 Runner-Up State Champs;

· 2025 Undefeated Conference Champs;

· 2025 North State Championship;

· 2025 State Championship; and

WHEREAS, Columbus Christian Academy Lady Rams individual accomplishments include the following:

· Satavia Watkins - Senior: 1500 points; four years All Conference; 2025 District MVP offense; 2025 North State All Tournament Team; 2026 State All Tournament Team; and 2025 All Star Team; and

· Carrie Kinard - Junior: 1,000 points; four years All Conference; 2025 Conference Defensive MVP; 2025 North State All Tournament Team; and 2025 State All Tournament Team; and

· Ada Farlow - Senior: 1,000 points; four years All Conference; 2024 Conference MVP; 2025 Conference MVP; 2025 North State MVP; 2025 North State All Tournament Team; 2025 State All Tournament Team; and 2025 All Star Team; and

· Presley Andrews - Senior: 2nd year voted All Conference; 2025 North State All Tournament Team; and 2025 State All Tournament Team; and

· Olivia Cantrell - Junior: 2025 All Conference; and 2025 North State All Tournament Team; and

WHEREAS, other senior teammates include: Cassie Carter and Avery Johnston; juniors: Audrey Glover and Kaitlyn McCoy; freshmen: Anna Beth Thomas and Lanie Jones; and eight grade: Starr Easterwood; Manager Isabella Denton, Junior; Head Coach Billy Thomas; and Assistant Coach Todd Benge; and

WHEREAS, this is an outstanding group of girls not just on the court. Several of these girls participate in multiple sports and excel academically and on the ACT. Cassie Carter, Audrey Glover, Avery Johnston, and Carrie Kinard are all members of the National Honor Society. Avery Johnston has been offered and signed to play softball with the MUW Owls for the 2025-2026 softball season, and Cassie Carter is the "Play-OFF's" girl; 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 2024-2025 Columbus Christian Academy Lady Rams Girls Basketball Team and Head Coach Billy Thomas for winning their second MAIS Class AA State Championship in the past three (3) years, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Billy Thomas and Athletic Director Marcus Davidson for the team, forwarded to the Columbus Christian Academy Board of Trustees, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.