MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Blackmon

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE CANTON HIGH SCHOOL TIGERS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 1996-1997 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. 

WHEREAS, the Canton High School Tigers Boys Basketball Team finished the 1996-1997 season with an outstanding record of 29 wins and 11 losses and became the first Canton High School Team to win the 4A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers did very well in tournament play this year, winning the Velma Jackson Tournament, the Thomastown Tournament, finishing second in the Capital City Classic Tournament, participating in the City of Palms Tournament in Fort Myers, Florida, and winning the 4A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, many individual honors have been bestowed upon various team members in recognition of their fine, dedicated play, including the naming of Tyrone Williams, Azariah Gillum and Jonathan Small as members of the All-Star 4A Team, and the selection of Tyrone Williams as Clarion-Ledger Player of the Week for the Championship Week; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers have been well coached and inspired by Head Coach Lewis Love, Jr., and Assistant Coach Melvin Gillum, who provided able, capable and professional coaching for the team and they were a major factor in the team's success; and

WHEREAS, Tyrone Williams, Jermaine Goodloe, Lemond Mitchell, Azariah Gillum, Christopher Love, Jonathan Small, Quincy Hawkins, Christopher Matlock, Kendrick Williams, Lendrick Taylor, Alonzo Lane, Maurice Johnson, Kendrick Lewis, Maurice Sims, Laval Esco Members of the Canton High School Tigers were able to maintain championship playing due to their ability to play as a team; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect a great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring honor to Canton High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the youth of our state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Canton High School Tigers Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Lewis Love, Jr., and Assistant Coach Melvin Gillum for their outstanding 1996-1997 season for winning the 4A State Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Canton High School, Coach Lewis Love, Jr., and Assistant Coach Melvin Gillum.