House Resolution 107

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MICHAEL "MIKE" HOOD, JR., OF THE COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL FALCONS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON BEING NAMED THE 2026 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 5A "MR. BASKETBALL".

WHEREAS, Michael "Mike" Hood, Jr., a senior forward for the Columbus High School Falcons Basketball Team, has been named the 2026 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A "Mr. Basketball," one of the highest individual honors bestowed upon a high school basketball player in the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Mr. Basketball awards, presented by the Mississippi High School Activities Association in conjunction with the Mississippi Association of Coaches and sponsored by C Spire, recognize the most outstanding players in each classification for their excellence in athletic performance, leadership and sportsmanship; and

WHEREAS, throughout his outstanding senior season, Mike Hood demonstrated exceptional talent and consistency on the court, averaging 16.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game while leading the Columbus High School Falcons to an impressive 23-5 overall record and the Region 1-5A District Championship; and

WHEREAS, Hood achieved a significant career milestone earlier in the season by surpassing the 1,000-point mark in his scoring career, a testament to his dedication, skill and long-standing impact on the Columbus basketball program; and

WHEREAS, his leadership and outstanding play have helped propel the Falcons to postseason success, including a commanding victory over Holmes County Central High School by a score of 52-38 in the 2026 MHSAA Class 5A Boys Basketball State Championship game, securing the school's first state championship since 2018 and the third boys state title in program history; and

WHEREAS, in that championship effort and throughout the season, Mike Hood's performance, determination and commitment to teamwork played a pivotal role in guiding the Falcons to victory and maintaining the proud tradition of excellence within the Columbus High School athletic program; and

WHEREAS, Hood's achievements have earned him statewide recognition and he will be honored alongside other Mr. Basketball and Miss Basketball recipients during the 2026 Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Big House Classic MHSAA State Championships at the Mississippi Coliseum, as well as at a special awards luncheon hosted at the MHSAA Conference Center; and

WHEREAS, the success of Mike Hood reflects not only his personal dedication and athletic excellence, but also the guidance of his coaches, the support of his teammates, family, school administrators and the proud community of Columbus who have encouraged and supported his development as a student-athlete; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend young Mississippians whose discipline, perseverance and leadership bring honor and distinction to their schools and communities:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Michael "Mike" Hood, Jr., of the Columbus High School Falcons Basketball Team upon being named the 2026 Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A "Mr. Basketball", and extend best wishes for continued success in his future athletic, academic and personal endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mike Hood and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.