Senate Resolution 77

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE CANTON HIGH SCHOOL TIGERS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH BJ TOWNSEND FOR WINNING BACK-TO-BACK MHSAA CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

WHEREAS, the fans were expecting a lot from a team that won the MHSAA Class 5A Championship last season. Canton Boys Basketball Coach BJ Townsend knew his team was capable of winning the championship. All of their hard work led the Tigers (21-10) to defending their MHSAA 5A Title 53-35, beating Region 2 rival Holmes County Central (21-9) on February 28, 2025, at the Mississippi Coliseum; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi State signee and Class 5A Mr. Basketball Jamarion Davis-Fleming, the senior center, knew the feeling of winning a championship and the heat it takes. During the game, his leadership took over. "Last year we had a lot of seniors, all graduated, so it was on me," Davis-Fleming said. "It's what I had to do." His drive helped fuel Canton to win its second-consecutive State Championship and third overall in front of the biggest crowd the Mississippi Coliseum has seen in this season's tournament; and

WHEREAS, "You see the crowd; it was electric," Coach Townsend said. Davis-Fleming scored six points, but his production came from rebounds, defense and assists. So when Davis-Fleming was double-teamed, Canton's guards stepped up. Senior Taryl Hoskin scored 19 points and sophomore Braylen Reaves had 12; and

WHEREAS, Canton High School Tigers Boys Basketball Team 2024-2025 Roster: Jamarion Davis-Fleming, Eric Gilkey, Da'jon Montgomery, Jayden Cration, Jaylon Hollins, Jadarious Esco, Cesar Rodriguez, Jeremy Harris, Braylen Reaves, Sermaji Davis, Cameron Warren, TJ Hoskin, Taryl Hoskin, Ty'trevien Greenwood, Kennedy Wolfe, Jataevion Johnson, Jaylon Ross and Joshua Amos; and Head Coach BJ Townsend; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student athletes who have brought honor to their team, 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 Canton High School Tigers Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach BJ Townsend for winning back-to-back MHSAA Class 5A State Championships, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future championships.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach BJ Townsend for the team, forwarded to the Canton High School Principal and Canton School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.