MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Jackson (11th), Walls, Harden, Browning, Frazier, Gordon, Jackson (32nd), Jordan, Simmons, Thomas

Senate Resolution 49

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING "ALL-STAR FIRST TEAM" AND "MR. BASKETBALL FOR 2006" RAVERN JOHNSON, JUNIOR FORWARD FOR THE COAHOMA COUNTY "RED PANTHERS" BASKETBALL TEAM.

     WHEREAS, Coahoma County High School Junior Forward Ravern Johnson (6-6) is a prolific scorer adept at shooting jump shots or driving to the goal; and

     WHEREAS, for his prowess and his outstanding 2005-2006 season, Ravern Johnson has been named "Mr. Basketball for 2006," the seventh underclassman to win the coveted award; and

     WHEREAS, Johnson combines a dead-eye shooting touch from NBA 3-point range with a quick first step and explosive leaping ability that combine to make him a shot-blocking threat; and

     WHEREAS, Ravern Johnson and the Red Panthers (35-5) won a second straight Class 2A State Championship, en route to a No. 2 overall ranking; and

     WHEREAS, "I think this choice might surprise some people," Coahoma County Coach Isaiah Peterson says.  "The No. 1 player in the state is from right here in a little town of less than 500, over all those players in Jackson, the Gulf Coast and the whole State of Mississippi"; and

     WHEREAS, his greatest basketball moment was repeating the 2A Title and his biggest influence is Coach Peterson; and

     WHEREAS, Ravern's statistics for 2005-2006 are as follows:  PPG: 23.0; RPG: 7.1; APG: 1.6; FT%: 84.3; and

     WHEREAS, it is with pride that we recognize this basketball star who has brought honor to his school, 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 "All-Star First Team" and "Mr. Basketball for 2006" Ravern Johnson, Junior Forward for the Coahoma County "Red Panthers" 2A State Champions, and extend to him and his family our best wishes for his future successes.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Ravern Johnson and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.