Senate Resolution 61

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SIMPSON ACADEMY LADY COUGARS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH LINDA DEAR FOR WINNING THE 2026 MAIS CLASS 4A DIVISION 1 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND AS RUNNERS-UP IN THE OVERALL TOURNAMENT.

WHEREAS, the Simpson Academy Lady Cougars Girls Basketball Team secured the 2026 MAIS Class 4A Division 1 State Championship on February 14, 2026, by defeating East Rankin Academy 54-45, led by freshman Elle McNulty's 19 points. It is the Lady Cougars' first title since 2019; and

WHEREAS, Coach Linda Dear earned her fifth career state title in her 40-year coaching career. Coach Dear has led the Simpson Academy program for 23 years, with this championship marking another major milestone for the team. She has surpassed the 500 win threshold. "It's very special," said Coach Dear. "I've coached these kids since they were in second grade. East Rankin Academy has stood in our way of several championships, and we felt like this was our day, and we were not going to be denied"; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Cougars later finished as runners-up in the MAIS Overall Tournament; and

WHEREAS, 2026 Season Key Highlights:

• MAIS 4A-D1 Championship: Simpson Academy defeated East Rankin Academy 54-45;

• Tournament Run: The team defeated Pillow Academy 55-38 in the semifinals and Parklane Academy to win the South Class 4A title;

• Overall Tournament: Simpson reached the Overall Tournament Championship game, finishing as runner-up to Madison-Ridgeland Academy (MRA) with a final score of 37-25;

• Record: The team entered the final stages of the tournament with a 30-5 record; and

WHEREAS, the Simpson Academy Girls Basketball Roster for 2025-2026: Maggie Shivers, Ansley Jones, Gracie Pinkerton, Jayda Smith, Lucy Walker, Emma Henderson, Elle McNulty, Madi Davidson, Mary Casyn Hunt, Charlye Bowen, Elie Stewart, Danni Cooper, Brooke Blackledge, Annmarie Blakeney, Anniston Bass, and Head Coach Linda Dear; 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 Simpson Academy Lady Cougars Girls Basketball Team and Coach Linda Dear for winning the 2026 MAIS Class 4A Division 1 State Championship and as runners-up in the overall tournament, and extend our best wishes for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Linda Dear for the team, forwarded to Simpson Academy's Headmaster, John Shows, and board of trustees and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.