Senate Concurrent Resolution 599

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SIMMONS HIGH SCHOOL "BLUE DEVILS" BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2003-2004 SEASON.

WHEREAS, on March 11, 2004, the Simmons High School "Blue Devils" Boys Basketball Team from Hollandale, Mississippi, fought off a furious Heidelberg rally to take its fourth state title with a 66-65 victory in the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 2A State Tournament; and

WHEREAS, with the win which capped a 19-game winning streak, Simmons High School finished the 2003-2004 season with an outstanding 35-1 team record, the only loss being to Class 2A rival Marshall in overtime earlier in the year; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Devils' dedicated hard work and team ethic was evident in tournament play this season, as they won first place in the Simmons Invitational Tournament, the O'Bannon Christmas Tournament, the District Tournament, the North Mississippi Regional Tournament and the State Tournament; and

WHEREAS, the team is ably coached by Coach George Willis and Assistant Coach Maria Willis, whose dedication and energy inspired the team to win the close games, stating "This team played well together and was dedicated to winning; there were no egos on this team"; and

WHEREAS, the following members of the Blue Devils squad received individual honors for the 2003-2004 season: Eddie Howard (Most Valuable Player in State Championship--scoring 17 points in title game); Carl Lucas (All-State, All-District, Most Valuable Player in District and Simmons Tournament, and Co-Most Valuable Player in O'Bannon Tournament); and Alvin Robinson (All-District, All-North Mississippi Regional, Co-Most Valuable Player in O'Bannon Tournament); and

WHEREAS, the 2003-2004 Blue Devils Team Roster is as follows: Carl Lucas, Alvin Robinson, Eddie Howard, Jessie Jackson, Dequindrick Dorsey, Johnny Winston, Kendrick White, Cordell White, Lawrence Woods, Cordell Terrell, Antonio White, Terrance Madison, Brandon Sanders and Terrance Washington; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the accomplishments of this dedicated 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, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Simmons High School "Blue Devils" Basketball Team and Coach George Willis for winning the Boys' 2A State Tournament Championship and for their outstanding 2003-2004 season, and extend to them the best wishes of the Legislature for their future athletic and academic success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Blue Devils Basketball Team and the Principal of Simmons High School, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.