Senate Resolution 46

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MADISON CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL "JAGUARS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2005-2006 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST-EVER STATE 5A CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Madison Central "Jaguars" Boys Basketball Team answered doubters with their first State Championship; and

WHEREAS, "It doesn't get better than this," a smiling Travis Reed said moments after his 17 points helped Madison beat Provine 56-48 for the Class 5A State Championship before a crowd of 5,200 at the Mississippi Coliseum; and

WHEREAS, the 10th-ranked "Jags," who ended 30-8 under fourth-year Coach Jeff Heath, did so with a rock-solid performance in a pressure-packed atmosphere, all while facing one of the state's basketball titans; and

WHEREAS, after finishing up on the short end of a pair of 50-48 decisions against Provine, including one for the North 5A Championship, Coach Heath made an adjustment to his team's game plan by going to the 3-2 zone; and

WHEREAS, the Jaguars have been superbly coached by Head Coach Jeff Heath and Assistant Coach Teague Burchfield, who have broadened the Jaguars' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution. Coach Heath has compiled a 92-41 record in four seasons at Madison Central High School; and

WHEREAS, the championship JAG roster is as follows: Carlton Ollie (10) G, Mason Ruhl (12) G/F, Joe Iupe (11) G, Vincent Powell (11) G, Reggie Welch (10) G, Demarius Jones (11) G, Torrence White (10) F/C, Timothy Buckley (12) G/F, Travis Reed (12) G/F, Chad Atkins (12) G, Jeff Pilgrim (11) G, Terrance Nelson (11) F, John Williams (11) F/C, Joel Thompson (12) F, Michael McDuffey (12) F/C, Sylvester Collins (10) C, Malcolm Kirkland (11) F/C and Jacolby Pittman (10) C; Head Manager Jonathan Rutledge; and Assistant Manager Wade Sims; and

WHEREAS, the Jaguars have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring honor to Madison Central High School, their 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 the Madison Central High School "Jaguars" Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Jeff Heath for their outstanding 2005-2006 season and for winning their first-ever State 5A Championship, and extend to them the best wishes of the Senate in their future athletic and academic successes.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Jeff Heath and Mrs. Edith Mitchell, Principal, Madison Central High School, and be made available to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.