MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2007 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Williamson, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (15th), Jackson (32nd)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NESHOBA CENTRAL "LADY ROCKETS" GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THEIR SECOND CONSECUTIVE CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2006 SEASON.
WHEREAS, when the ball hit by East Central High School's Lindsey Schillaci settled into the glove of Neshoba Central's Right Fielder Whitnee White, it ended almost 5 hours of tense, back-and-forth softball and meant the Lady Rockets could finally celebrate what some would call their improbable second consecutive Class 4A State Championship; and
WHEREAS, the Lady Rockets did it by defeating the Lady Hornets twice on Monday, May 8, 2006, by scores of 7-6 and 5-3. They were forced to win both games of the doubleheader after losing the first game of the best-of-three series 2-0; and
WHEREAS, "We proved a lot of people wrong in Neshoba County and Mississippi," Rocket Coach Tommy Holland said. "They didn't think we could do it because of the veteran players lost last year, but we did. We proved them wrong"; and
WHEREAS, the Lady Rockets did it by doing what they've done all year. Get quality pitching, clutch hitting and take advantage of the other team's mistakes; and
WHEREAS, the Neshoba Central Lady Rockets' fastpitch roster is as follows: Grade 12: Sondria Hillie (O), Laura Smith (I), Leigh Anne Taylor (O) and Whitnee White (O/P); Grade 11: Leah Dennis (C/P), Amy Sharp (P/O), Loren Jones (O) and Rebecca Watkins (O); Grade 10: Jodie Apperson (I), Tobi Lynn Beckham (I), Emily Breland (O), Hailey Chisolm (I), Sierra Farlow (I) and Alexis Patterson (O/P); Grade 9: Fallon Mattar (O), Sarah Breland (I/P), India Whittle (I/C), Lauren Nicholas (I), Abbie Joiner (O/C), Kia Moore (I), Megan Peebles (O), Laurel Burnett (O) and Leigh Ellen Barefield (I); Grade 8: Paige Richardson (I), Jesse Edwards (O), Eden McGee (I) and Taylor Tucker (I/P); Head Coach Tommy Holland and Assistant Coach Jonathan Hardy; and
WHEREAS, "It was the perfect end to my year and the perfect end to my career at Neshoba Central," Whitnee White said of the final out. "I will remember this ballgame for the rest of my life." It was a season and a State Championship that none of the Neshoba Central fans, players or coaches will likely ever forget; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this accomplishment by this championship team who 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 Neshoba Central "Lady Rockets" Girls Fastpitch Softball Team and Head Coach Tommy Holland for winning their second consecutive Class 4A State Championship and for their outstanding 2006 season and extend to them the best wishes of the Legislature in their future athletic and academic endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Principal of Neshoba Central High School and Coach Tommy Holland for the team, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.