MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2011 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Jones (82nd), Wooten, Bailey, Blackmon, Broomfield, Burnett, Coleman (29th), Dickson, Ellis, Flaggs, Snowden
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MERIDIAN WILDCATS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2010-2011 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 6A CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, the Meridian Wildcats Boys Basketball Team completed the 2010-2011 season with an outstanding record of 29 wins and only 2 losses, finishing the season on a 15-game winning streak that culminated with the Wildcats taking home the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A Championship for their first state championship since 1978; and
WHEREAS, the Wildcats were ranked No. 1 all season in The Clarion-Ledger Super 10, and they convincingly demonstrated they were worthy of that lofty recognition when they handily defeated No. 2 ranked Vicksburg 62-47 in the championship game, jumping out to an early lead and never trailing in the game; and
WHEREAS, the victory in the championship game helped the Wildcats erase the disappointment they felt last season when they lost to Starkville in the title game, and they came into this year's game expecting, not just hoping, to take the gold ball back to Meridian this time; and
WHEREAS, the Wildcats were dominant against their opponents all season with a 15-point average overall margin of victory per game, and they defeated every Mississippi team they played, with only two in-state teams being able to stay within single digits against Meridian; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of their exceptional exploits on the hard court throughout the season, the Wildcats were ranked as the top team in Mississippi and the 10th best team in the nation by MaxPreps; and
WHEREAS, the Wildcats have been superbly coached and inspired by Coach Randy Bolden, who has broadened the Wildcats' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and who won his first state championship as a head coach; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Wildcats' championship team are:
seniors, Devin Cherry, Sydney Coleman, Rodney Hood, Marcus Hurn, Matthew Hurn, Erole "E.J." Mesadieu, Jr., Sharod Smith and Nick Waters; juniors, Antonio Finley, Jermaine Harris, Jr., Lakendrick Sims and Johnny Thompson; sophomore, Jaricus Hubbard; team manager, Derryc Kelly; and camera operator, Davontae Brewster; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend such a superb group of student athletes as the Meridian Wildcats and their coach, all of whom have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Meridian Wildcats Boys Basketball Team for their outstanding 2010-2011 season, for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Meridian High School, Coach Randy Bolden and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.