Senate Concurrent Resolution 691

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE H.W. BYERS HIGH SCHOOL "LADY LIONS" GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH JASON THOMPSON FOR WINNING THE MHSAA CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the H.W. Byers High School "Lady Lions" Basketball Team claimed bragging rights on March 17, 2011, as the best team in Mississippi in Class 1A girls basketball; and

WHEREAS, they have been to the Mississippi Coliseum for the State Tournament five consecutive seasons and won three Championships, 2008, 2009 and 2011. The first two were in Class 2A. This one was in Class 1A; and

WHEREAS, in the fourth quarter of the Championship Game against Coldwater, the Lady Lions went on a redeeming run. Despite losing two starters to fouls, they stepped up the pressure on both ends and Alexis Hardaway stepped up, making the necessary and crucial plays when really needed. Precious Rogers and Richenda Crutcher really sealed the 48-43 win at the charity stripe; and

WHEREAS, prior to raising the gold sphere, Alexis Hardaway was honored at center court as the "Player of the Game" by the Mississippi High School Activities Association. The junior had turned in an 18-point performance to lead Byers to its third state crown in five years; and

WHEREAS, "When I first started (10 years ago), we were everybody's doormat," said Coach Jason Thompson, who has built a dynasty at the Marshall County School on Highway 72. "However, in a short time, the kids bought in." Coach Thompson told reporters after the Lady Lions' victory celebration that it all starts with a dream; and

WHEREAS, the 2010-2011 Lady Lions roster is as follows: Precious Rogers, Jequira Thompson, Dominique Rubin, Rosalyn Penilton, Laniqua Collins, Richenda Crutcher, Samekia Jones, Madison McCreless, Jessica Anthony, Kyra Gulledge, Alexis Hardaway, Abria Gulledge, Kourtney Coleman and Jasmine Wells; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we salute 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 H.W. Byers High School "Lady Lions" Girls Basketball Team and Coach Jason Thompson for winning the MHSAA Class 1A State Championship and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future athletic and academic success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That this resolution be presented to Coach Thompson and the Principal of H.W. Byers High School, forwarded to the Marshall County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.