House Concurrent Resolution 126

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING ISAIAH CANAAN UPON HIS ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS WITH THE MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY RACERS BASKETBALL TEAM AND BEING NAMED RECIPIENT OF THE 2009-2010 OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD.

WHEREAS, freshman guard, Isaiah Canaan, was and remains a welcomed addition to the Murray State University Racers Basketball Team, where he has proven the value of his worth as a vital asset in his quest to catapult his team to national acclaim; and

WHEREAS, an outstanding talent from Biloxi High School where he was a finalist for Mississippi Mr. Basketball honors after leading his Biloxi team to the 5A State Championship and a 30-3 record, Isaiah was the Mississippi State Tournament MVP, named All-State and named to the finalist list for Gatorade Player of the Year; and

WHEREAS, as a senior at Biloxi High School, the six-foot, 175-pound Canaan averaged 24 points and dished out 7 assists per game, played in the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game, staking claim in the title as team MVP after he scored 18 points, and as a junior, he was named Mississippi All-State after averaging 20 points and 7 assists per game, which prompted The Clarion-Ledger to appropriately list him among its Dandy Dozen; and

WHEREAS, proving himself a formidable force with whom to reckon on the hard court, Isaiah continues his hoopster's reign of success on his ascent to the top of the collegiate basketball echelon, averaging 10.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and a 49.8 field goal percentage per game; and

WHEREAS, as he continues to awe the crowds with his eager tenacity in full-court press in his drive towards the basket, he exceeds the expectations of the throngs of onlookers, as well as his own, as he was named the Racers' "Freshmen of the Year," for 2009-2010 as a newcomer to the team, and named Conference Most Valuable Player after leading the Racers to the Ohio Valley Conference Championship title; and

WHEREAS, the 2009-2010 basketball season not only further defines Isaiah Canaan as a talented individual, but also distinguishes him from his peers with exceptional athleticism, skill and ability, and as the recipient of these prestigious honors, solidifies him as one of the nation's best collegiate basketball players hailing from the great State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the stellar achievements of outstanding student athletes whose talent and high degree of sportsmanship are exemplary of the honor reflected upon their schools and the state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby congratulate and commend Isaiah Canaan upon his athletic accomplishments with the Murray State University Racers Basketball Team and being named recipient of the 2009-2010 Ohio Valley Conference Championship Most Valuable Player Award, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his future academic and athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Isaiah Canaan, Murray State University and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.