House Concurrent Resolution 71

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MCCOMB HIGH SCHOOL TIGERS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH HILTON HARRELL UPON AN OUTSTANDING 2013-2014 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, a highly sought after title that has been more than five decades in the making for the McComb High School Tigers Boys Basketball Team has finally earned its rightful place in the trophy case of McComb High School after the Tigers defeated the Raymond High School Rangers with a domineering victory of 68-48 on Saturday, March 15, 2014, before a lively, enthusiastic crowd at the Mississippi Coliseum to stake claim in the program's first state championship title since 1962 and Head Coach Hilton Harrell's first in his 20-year, 625-game coaching career at McComb; and

WHEREAS, with a remarkable 32-1 for the season, losing only to the defending 5A Champion Callaway Chargers by a single point, the Tigers established an unprecedented ascension to championship acclaim by outscoring each of its formidable tournament opponents by 20 points each; and

WHEREAS, with an unrelenting determination and perseverance to return to the big dance at the "Big House" after falling to Callaway at last year's tantalizing showdown of hard-court athleticism and precision shootout for the 5A crown, the Tigers, who dropped to Class 4A on the heels of finishing runner-up to the state champions, were hungry for the sweet taste of victory and every worthy adversary fell prey to the team's power and skill as it satisfied its hunger on the redemptive road to state championship glory; and

WHEREAS, building more momentum with each victory in its quest, the Tigers, whose fan base increased in a whirlwind of excited frenzy, approached each challenge with the poise and maturity of a veteran-led, championship-caliber team; and

WHEREAS, led by starting seniors, Lederrius Simmons, Antonio Johnson, Roy Patterson, Shemar Williams and Stacey Mack, whose stellar performances combined for an outstanding 44 of the team's 68 winning points, the Tigers' championship was the perfect punctuation mark for these seniors' prep career at McComb, as they have been attentively watched and highly courted by collegiate coaches throughout the state and region; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Hilton Harrell who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and whose fate not only as a good coach, a reputable coach or a great coach, but as a champion coach has been immortalized and sealed in the history books among the basketball giants of the Magnolia State; and

WHEREAS, the 2013-2014 season marked the final missing pieces of Coach Harrell's already-impressive legacy being put into place, as this most prestigious title compliments the commitment and selfless devotion Harrell has poured into each of his players throughout the years as a coach, as well as the tireless service he has provided as an upstanding pastor, and model citizen of the McComb Community since taking the reigns of the school's basketball program in 1993; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring honor to McComb 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 McComb High School Tigers Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Hilton Harrell upon an outstanding 2013-2014 season and for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A State Championship, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of their future athletic and academic endeavors.

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