Senate Concurrent Resolution 608

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE CHOCTAW CENTRAL "LADY WARRIORS" GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH WALTER WILSON FOR THEIR FIRST-EVER CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND OUTSTANDING 2003-2004 SEASON.

WHEREAS, with revenge on its mind and its first Class 3A title in sight, Choctaw Central High School's "Lady Warriors" Girls Basketball Team dismantled and dethroned Ripley on March 12, 2004, at the Mississippi Coliseum, crushing the No. 1 Lady Tigers 72-51 in front of more than 8,000 ecstatic fans in the finals of the 3A Girls State Tournament at the Big House;

WHEREAS, Choctaw won its first-ever 3A title after picking up Class 2A crowns from 1996-1999, and the Lady Warriors remained perfect in state championship games; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Warriors finished the season with a remarkable 36-2 record, and Choctaw Central also gained a measure of revenge for a loss to eventual state champion Ripley in the state semifinals last Spring; and

WHEREAS, in the Championship win, Mystee Dale had a triple-double, while Senior Ashley Flint and Junior Chantay Frazier combined for 49 points in Choctaw's 72-51 victory; and

WHEREAS, Coach Walter Wilson runs the offense unlike any other girls basketball coach in Mississippi, calling it "FIDCS," which stands for the First Indian Down Court Shoots. "That's what took us to the top," Wilson said. "We like to run. We didn't play a lot of players, but they never gave out. They were in shape and no one outhustled them"; and

WHEREAS, the roster of the Lady Warriors is as follows: Casey Vaughn, Chantay Frazier, Brittany Gibson, Ashley Flint, Ahinah Alex, Shyatesa York, Kelly McMillan, Deonna Issac, Kristi Willis, Kristen Steve, Mystee Dale, Ria Willis, Siah Denson and Sheila Willis; Head Coach, Walter Wilson; and Assistant Coach, Jason Bell; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize "Destiny's Darlings" from Choctaw Central, whose climb to the top of Mississippi hoops world has 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 Choctaw Central High School "Lady Warriors" Girls Basketball Team and Coach Walter Wilson for their first-ever Class 3A State Championship and outstanding 2003-2004 season, and wish them continued success in their future academic and athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Lady Warriors and Principal Jonathan Carnes, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.