MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2011 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Hyde-Smith, Butler (38th), Davis, Dearing, Jackson (32nd), Lee (35th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BROOKHAVEN ACADEMY "LADY COUGARS" GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH BARRY GRAY FOR WINNING THE MAIS OVERALL TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, overall, it was an outstanding performance. Brookhaven Academy's "Lady Cougars" Girls Basketball Team marched through three straight Class AAA opponents and defeated Jackson Academy 54-44 February 26, 2011, in the Championship Finals of the MAIS Overall Tournament; and
WHEREAS, the Lady Cougars (31-4), a week removed from a loss to Leake Academy in the Class AA State Tournament Finals, redeemed themselves and celebrated a shining moment at midcourt in A.E. Wood Coliseum. It was their first Overall Crown since 2004 and the second for Brookhaven Academy Coach Barry Gray; and
WHEREAS, they gathered at midcourt and hoisted the gold basketball trophy. They posed for a team picture and placed Callie Cole in the middle as she sat in her wheelchair. Cole (severely injured in an auto accident in September of 2009) had maintained a close connection with the team during the long rehabilitation process. Her No. 12 uniform was carried to each game the last two seasons; and
WHEREAS, Coach Gray's girls were able to consistently handle Jackson Academy's aggressive, full-court pressure. They broke the press with their dribbling and passing skills. Senior center Anna Katelyn Mangold accounted for 16 points and 9 rebounds in the victory. She was pleased with the triumph. Mangold's mother, Michelle Lofton Mangold, had helped the Brookhaven Academy girls win an Overall Title in 1983 under former Head Coach Gene "Moochie" Britt. Brookhaven Academy guard Terah Winborne directed the victory with 23 points, making 10 of 11 free throws in the game. She also sacked 2 treys. The Lady Cougars were also runners-up in the AA State Tournament; and
WHEREAS, Coach Gray promised his team he would dance to a rap song in the dressing room if they won the Overall Title and he didn't disappoint. His girls screamed with glee and laughter as the music boomed after the game. Coach Gray smiled with pride as he reviewed his team's triumph. "God always has a bigger plan. This win was bigger than a basketball game"; and
WHEREAS, Brookhaven Academy 2010-2011 Varsity Girls Basketball Roster is as follows: 12th Grade: Summer Calhoun, Haley Langston, Anna Lofton, Marian Allen, Mary Lindsey Magee, and Anna Katelyn Mangold; 11th Grade: Terah Winborne and Laura Beth Wright; 10th Grade: Carrie Crozier; Head Coach Barry Gray; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this 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 Brookhaven Academy "Lady Cougars" Girls Basketball Team and Head Coach Barry Gray for winning the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Overall Tournament Championship and extend to the team, coaches, parents, and sponsors our best wishes for future athletic and academic successes.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Barry Gray and Brookhaven Academy Headmaster Herbert Davis and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.