Senate Resolution 64

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE STARKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL YELLOW JACKETS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH MATT WILBANKS FOR WINNING THE 2026 MHSAA CLASS 7A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, after going into overtime during the state title game last season, the Yellow Jackets dominated Harrison Central 39-22 to claim the MHSAA Girls Class 7A State Championship on March 6, 2026, at the Mississippi Coliseum, joining the Starkville High School Boys Team in a State Championship; and

WHEREAS, it's Starkville's (31-3) sixth state title in school history and first since 2018, and Head Coach Matt Wilbanks' first career state championship as head coach. Starkville started and finished the 2026 season at consensus No. 1 in the state, and the team's average margin of victory was 24 points; and

WHEREAS, "This is a surreal feeling because we've had the target on our backs all year; proud of the girls because winning 31 games is hard to do. This is a lot better feeling than last year for sure," said Starkville Coach Matt Wilbanks; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Yellow Jackets jumped out to a 11-5 lead at the end of the first quarter. Starkville opened the second half on a 10-4 run to stretch its lead out to 31-11 and held a 31-16 lead heading into the fourth quarter. An 8-2 run in the fourth quarter sealed the game for Starkville as the Yellow Jackets extended their lead to 39-18; and

WHEREAS, Southern Miss signee Jada Gay scored a game-high 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead Starkville and was named the game's Most Valuable Player. Zariah Brown added 12 points for Starkville; and

WHEREAS, more honors included Jada Gay as MHSAA 2026 7A Miss Basketball, MHSAA 7A State Championship MVP, 2026 Girls Basketball Dandy Dozen honoree, 2026 7A MS/AL All-Star, and Region 2/7A Player of the Year; Jade Brown as MHSAA 7A Scholar Athlete, 2026 7A MS/AL All-Star, and All Region 2/7A; Zariah Brown as 2025 7A North/South All-Star and All Region 2/7A; Yasmine Roberts as 2025 7A North/South All Star; Logan Warren and Morgan Williams as All Region 2/7A; and

WHEREAS, Starkville High School 2025-2026 Girls Basketball Team Roster: Jada Blair, Jada Gay, Eleanor Giesen, Kamare Holmes, Zariah Brown, McKayla Duck, Logan Warren, Morgan Williams, Karmen Robinson, Janiya Yarborough, Rylee Willis, Yasmine Roberts, Isabella Davis, Catherine Lesley and Jade Brown; Coach Matt Wilbanks; and Assistant Coaches Mark Alexander, Wayde Barksdale, Collins Brown, Emma Butler, Adam Hodges, Lydia Hinton, Michael Knight, Tate Fischer, Boston Hampton, Lydia Hinton, Jasmeen Roberts and Jeremiah Chandler; 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 Starkville High School Yellow Jackets Girls Basketball Team and Coach Matt Wilbanks for winning the 2026 MHSAA Class 7A State Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future state championships.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Matt Wilbanks and Starkville Principal Dr. Watress Harris, forwarded to the Starkville-Oktibbeha County School Board, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.