House Concurrent Resolution 95

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BIGGERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL LIONS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Biggersville High School Lions Boys Basketball Team, after completing a solid 2012-2013 regular season, headed into the post season determined to capture the state championship that had eluded them last year, when they finished as runner-up in the Class 1A State Championship game; and

WHEREAS, the Lions clawed their way through the tournament to reach the finals again, and on March 7, 2013, they got their wish not only to compete for the crown, but to do it in a rematch with the team that had taken the top prize from them in last year's final, the Coldwater Cougars; and

WHEREAS, from the outset of the game, the Lions were bent on revenge for last year's game, and with their hot-hand shooting of 50% from the floor - 60% in the second half - and out-rebounding the Cougars 47-32, they kept their opponents on the defensive throughout the game; and

WHEREAS, with their balanced scoring of three players in double figures, led by Daniel Simmons with 22 points, the Lions led at the end of each quarter and claimed the gold ball and the Class 1A State Championship with a 62-53 redemption victory over the defending champion Cougars; and

WHEREAS, the Lions, who finished the season with a 28-7 record, proudly returned to Alcorn County as victors this time with their first state championship since 1996, which was their only other title in school history; and

WHEREAS, Daniel Simmons, who posted a double-double for the Lions with his 22 points and 13 rebounds, was named the Most Valuable Player of the championship game, and Blake Stacy was named the Scholar-Athlete of the game; and

WHEREAS, the Lions have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Cliff Little, who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the Lions have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring honor to Biggersville High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the youth of our state, who are its future:

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 Biggersville High School Lions Boys Basketball Team for winning the Class 1A State Championship, and extend best wishes for success in all of their future academic and athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Biggersville High School, Head Coach Cliff Little and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.