Senate Resolution 69

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PROVINE HIGH SCHOOL "RAMS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR ITS OUTSTANDING 2002-2003 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE CLASS 4A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Provine High School "Rams" Boys Basketball Team finished the 2002-2003 season with an outstanding record of 26-5 and captured the Class 4A State Championship in a thrilling victory over Lanier High School, which resulted in their being ranked No. 1 in The Clarion-Ledger poll; and

WHEREAS, along the way to their State Championship, the Rams won the Class 4A District Championship and were runners-up in the Class 4A North State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Rams were marvelously coached and inspired by Head Coach Luther Riley and Assistant Coaches Randy Bolden and Spencer Gatlin, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and cultivated their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Riley has brought additional honor to himself and to Provine High School by being selected as Coach of the Week and Metro Jackson's Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, several of the Rams have been recognized for their hard work, dedication and superior play this season, including the selection of Jeff Webb, Charlie White, and Jeremy Young to the All-State, All-District, and All-North State Teams; and

WHEREAS, many other individual honors have been bestowed upon various team members, such as the selection of Jeff Webb as a player in the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game, as a McDonald's All-American nominee, and as a member of the Jackson Public School/Pepsi All-Tournament Team, and the naming of Charlie White as Player of the Year, as Most Valuable Player in the District and as a member of the Jackson Public School/Pepsi All-Tournament Team; and

WHEREAS, the Provine High School Rams Boys Basketball Team, which consists of Charlie White, Derrick Thomas, Jarvis Williams, DeAngelo Edwards, Earnesto Green, Derrick Smith, Ladario Ward, Robert Hough, John Parker, Jeffery Webb, Jr., Jeremy Young, Willicent Seymour, Allen Blackmon and William Jones, have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a superb degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring great honor to Provine High School; and

WHEREAS, it is with pride that we recognize the special accomplishment of this group of 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 commend and congratulate the Provine High School Rams Boys Basketball Team and Coach Luther Riley for their outstanding 2002-2003 season, for winning the Class 4A State Basketball Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Provine High School, Coach Luther Riley, his assistant coaches, and members of the Capitol Press Corps.