Senate Concurrent Resolution 593

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE RIPLEY HIGH SCHOOL "LADY TIGERS" GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE FIRST STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP IN SCHOOL HISTORY.

WHEREAS, before an estimated crowd of 4,500 on Saturday, March 8, 2003, at the Mississippi Coliseum, the Ripley High School "Lady Tigers" Basketball Team beat West Lauderdale 50-43 in the Class 3A State Championship game and won the first girls basketball title in school history; and

WHEREAS, Ripley, ranked No. 12 in The Clarion-Ledger final regular season public school poll, finished the season with an outstanding record of 32-3, and won the division and regional tournaments on their way to the state tournament; and

WHEREAS, the victory over West Lauderdale was a rematch of last year's 3A semifinal game when Ripley was edged 54-53 in the final seconds; and

WHEREAS, with the win, Coach Shane Montgomery claimed his first state championship, after losing two state titles when he coached at Tremont; and

WHEREAS, Ripley's Miayorka Johnson scored 23 points to lead her team to victory in the title game, making 9 of 11 shots from the field and 3 of 6 from the free throw line with 8 rebounds, all with a sprained ankle, and Krystle Holiday added 11 points for the Lady Tigers; and

WHEREAS, after losing to West Lauderdale in last year's semifinals, their hard work paid off, particularly in practicing free throws prior to this championship game; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this special accomplishment by 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, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Ripley High School "Lady Tigers" Girls Basketball Team and Coach Shane Montgomery for their first state championship and their outstanding 2003 season and wish them success in their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Montgomery and the Lady Tigers, forwarded to the Principal of Ripley High School and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.