House Resolution 79

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NEW ALBANY LADY BULLDOGS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2010-2011 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the New Albany Girls Basketball Team completed the 2010-2011 season with an outstanding record of 29 wins and only 4 losses, finishing the season on a 10-game winning streak that culminated with the Lady Bulldogs taking home the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A Championship for their first State Championship in the sport since 2002; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Bulldogs 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 defeated Lawrence County in the championship game 71-61, with the lead changing hands several times early in the second half before New Albany went on a run that put them ahead for good; and

WHEREAS, the victory in the championship game helped the Lady Bulldogs erase the disappointment they felt last season when they lost their only game of the season to Raymond in the title game, and after that defeat, Head Coach John Stroud vowed to play tougher competition this season to give the Lady Bulldogs the necessary experience to return to Jackson, finish the job and take the gold ball back to New Albany; and

WHEREAS, with their beefed-up schedule this season, New Albany fell to four national level opponents from other states, but Coach Stroud's strategy for gaining experience was successful, as the Lady Bulldogs defeated every Mississippi team they played, kept their No. 1 ranking the entire season despite the immense pressure and expectations under which they played, and captured the State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Bulldogs have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach John Stroud and Assistant Coach Alicia Pickens, who have broadened the Lady Bulldogs' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and Coach Stroud won his second State Championship after coaching the New Albany boys team to the title 25 years ago; and

WHEREAS, the members of the Lady Bulldogs championship team are: Jasmine Knox, Kebrina Lucas, Nyambi Penson, Paris Sanders, Caroline Stroud, Micha Washington, Porche White, Marquita Young, Erin Carter, Lauren Cavender, Christina Jeffries, Rometta Lombard, Darby Mills, Allie Owen, Ali Sizemore, Alisha Smith, and Jazmine Spears; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend such a superb group of student athletes as the New Albany Lady Bulldogs and their coaches, 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, That we commend and congratulate the New Albany Lady Bulldogs Basketball Team for their outstanding 2010-2011 season, for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to New Albany High School, Head Coach John Stroud, Assistant Coach Alicia Pickens, and members of the Capitol Press Corps.