Senate Resolution 73

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL FALCONS AND COACH PHILLIP MORRIS FOR WINNING THE 2026 MHSAA CLASS 5A BOYS BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Columbus High School Falcons, led by Coach Phillip Morris, won the 2026 Class 5A Boys Basketball State Championship, defeating Holmes County Central 52-38 on March 7, 2026, at the Mississippi Coliseum; and

WHEREAS, MVP Tylan Brown scored 17 points, eight rebounds and three steals, marking Columbus' first state title since 2018 when they defeated Natchez 75-40 in the semifinals, finishing their season with a 27-5 record; and

WHEREAS, the victory was characterized by strong defensive play and "heart over height" leadership from the team's backcourt, overcoming the Holmes County Central Jaguars; and

WHEREAS, the Falcons ended the championship season with a 23-game-winning streak. Columbus High School previously won the basketball State Championship in 2016 and 2018. Head Coach Phillip Morris was the assistant coach on those teams. The 2026 Championship is his first as a head coach. The Falcons were ranked #1 in Class 5A; and

WHEREAS, Columbus High School senior player Mike Hood, Jr., was Mr. Basketball for Class 5A in Mississippi and a Clarion Ledger Dandy Dozen; and

WHEREAS, the Columbus High School 2025-2026 Falcons Boys Basketball Team Roster: Michael "Mike" Hood, Jr., Jawaun Thomas, Maxwell Leach, Cameron Aaron, Courtney Perry, Ben Latham, Davie "DJ" Verdell, Tylan Brown, Alan Cox, Timarion Bush, Michael "MJ" Brewer, Tyson Sims, Preston Harris, Malik Baldwin, Jace Buckley, Ethan Coats and Kameron Hayes; Head Coach Phillip Morris; Assistant Coaches Roger Joiner, Allen Lewis, Bryan Nichols and Javontae McDavid; and Managers Torrance Nash and Jalen Roland; 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 Columbus High School Falcons and Coach Phillip Morris for winning the 2026 MHSAA Class 5A Boys Basketball State Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our bests wishes for future championships.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Phillip Morris for the team and Columbus High School Principal Dr. Marlon Andrews, forwarded to the Columbus School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.