Senate Concurrent Resolution 632

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SCOTT CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL "REBELS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH DARRIN GRAY FOR WINNING THE CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, THE SCHOOL'S FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN BOYS BASKETBALL.

WHEREAS, the Scott Central High School "Rebels" joyously celebrated the school's first State Championship in boys basketball on Saturday, March 10, 2007, where they defeated Tchula Marshall for the Class 2A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, on Thursday, March 15, 2007, Scott Central held off East Oktibbeha 68-65 in the opening round of the Mississippi High School Activities Association Grand Slam before an announced crowd of 1,156 at BancorpSouth Arena. Scott Central's 1-2 punch of Kenneth Barlow (23 points, 17 rebounds) and Michael Wells (18 points, 12 rebounds) provided much of the spark as the Rebels built a 15-point lead in the second quarter and held off a determined Titan rally in the final 5 minutes. That victory sent the Class 2A-Champion Rebels (26-12) into a semifinal matchup against 5A-Champion Provine High School (25-9). Kenneth Barlow, of Scott Central, had 23 points and 17 rebounds in a victory over East Oktibbeha and scored 26 points in a loss to Provine at the Grand Slam Tournament. Jenirro Bush, East Oktibbeha, scored 21 points in a 68-65 Grand Slam loss to Scott Central; and

WHEREAS, the Rebels won the following tournaments on the road to the State Championship: East Central Community College Tournament, Scott County Tournament, McAdam Tournament, District 6 Tournament, South State Tournament and the State Tournament; and

WHEREAS, the following team members achieved these honors: All-State Tournament Team: Michael Wells, Kenneth Barlow and Kendrick McKee; MVP State Tournament: Kendrick McKee; All Divisions: Michael Wells, Kenneth Barlow and Kendrick McKee; MVP at District 6: Kenneth Barlow; and 2007 South All-Star Team, Kenneth Barlow; and

WHEREAS, Coach Darrin Gray was assisted by Coach Timothy White who observed that these team members "showed a lot of heart and stability through the playoffs"; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this special achievement by a group of student athletes who have 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 Scott Central High School "Rebels" Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Darrin Gray for winning the Class 2A State Championship which was the school's first State Championship in boys basketball, 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 Coach Gray and the Principal of Scott Central High School for the team, be forwarded to the Scott County Board of Education and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.