Senate Resolution 145

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE JACKSON PREP PATRIOTS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH ZACH ALLISON FOR WINNING THE MAIS OVERALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THREE OF THE LAST FOUR SEASONS.

WHEREAS, we join the players, coaches, students, faculty, and fans of Jackson Preparatory School in recognizing the excellence displayed again by the Patriots Boys Basketball Team; and

WHEREAS, the Jackson Prep Basketball Team compiled a 28-6 regular season record in 2024-2025 and has won the Overall State Championship for three of the last four seasons; and

WHEREAS, despite finishing third in MAIS Class 6A, having to play a No. 1 Seed and Class 5A Champions Heritage Academy and facing Class 6A District 1 rivals back-to-back, Jackson Prep Basketball Coach Zach Allison never thought his team was an underdog. "At the end of the day, all of the teams we play are high quality, but we think when we play our game, we're just as good as anybody out there," Coach Allison said. That sentiment proved pivotal as Jackson Prep prevailed to a 53-51 win over Class 6A Champions and defending overall winners Jackson Academy at A.E. Wood Coliseum. The win is the Patriots' first overall title since 2022-2023 and its 17th total; and

WHEREAS, on the way to the State Championship, the team accomplished the following steps: defeated Heritage Academy in Round 1 64-53; defeated Hillcrest Christian in the Quarterfinals 79-41; defeated Hartfield Academy in the Semifinals 51-45; and defeated Jackson Academy in the Championship 53-51; and

WHEREAS, the 2024-2025 Jackson Prep Patriots Boys Basketball Championship Roster is: Ejay Napier, EJ Vaughn, Miles Burkhalter, William Thornton, De'Marion Tyler, Asher Reynolds, Cray Luckett, Thomas Coco, Joseph Chaney, Kevin Roberts, Cole Allen, John Ed Maddux, Ben Segrest, Head Coach Zach Allison, Assistant Coaches Josh Glidewell and Will Johnson; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these 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 Jackson Prep Patriots Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Zach Allison for winning the MAIS Overall State Championship for three of the last four seasons, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for continued championships.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Zach Allison for the team, forwarded to Jackson Prep Principal Lawrence M. Coco III and the Jackson Prep Board of Trustees and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.