Senate Resolution 3

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING PROVINE HIGH SCHOOL AND THE CLARION-LEDGER ALL-METRO "COACH OF THE YEAR" LUTHER RILEY, THE YOUNGEST COACH TO WIN BACK-TO-BACK STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

WHEREAS, at 31, Provine High School's Luther Riley is the youngest coach to win back-to-back Boys State Tournament Championships in Class 5A or 4A, Mississippi's top leagues; and

WHEREAS, even so, Riley, the Coach of the Year on The Clarion-Ledger All-Metro Boys Basketball Team for the second straight season, never stops trying to learn about the game; and

WHEREAS, Riley, a former South Leake and Mississippi Valley State Point Guard, has made mostly the right adjustments in his five seasons at Provine High School, where he has a 103-55 record; and

WHEREAS, this year, he took a team that included Seniors Charlie White, William Jones, Willicent Seymour, Derrick Smith and Derrick Thomas, and Junior Jarvis Williams, to the school's third state championship. Provine posted its most wins since the Wayne Brent-led Rams went 37-1 and claimed a 5A title in 1998. Although Riley is only the third Jackson Public Schools boys coach to win multiple MHSAA state titles since desegregation, joining Lanier's Thomas Billups (5) and Murrah's Orsmond Jordan (3), he is most proud of another achievement: "What makes me smile is to see these young men graduate and go on to the next level. Almost every Senior who has played for me has gotten some kind of scholarship, whether it's academic, athletic or managerial. You dictate what you do on the court by what you do off the court. It goes hand-in-hand"; and

WHEREAS, like most successful coaches, Riley has a demanding style, uncompromising on certain points. All Provine practices are closed, no exceptions; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the unique achievements of this teacher and coach, who has brought honor to his school, his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Provine High School Boys Basketball Team All-Metro "Coach of the Year" Luther Riley, the youngest coach to win back-to-back State Championships in Class 5A or 4A, and extend to him and his players the best wishes of the Senate for a possible three-peat.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Riley and his family, be forwarded to the Principal of Provine High School and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.