House Resolution 82

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SIMPSON COUNTY ACADEMY "COUGARS" HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH JAMES CRAIN FOR WINNING THE 2013-2014 MAIS CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Simpson County Academy "Cougars" High School Boys Basketball Team captured the MAIS State Class AA Championship by winning three games at Winona Christian School to rightfully bear the title of champions to Simpson County Academy's second state title in the school's 44-year history; and

WHEREAS, capturing its third championship title in three weeks, the Cougars previously staked their claim to the District Tournament Title and the South State Championship in the weeks leading up to the championship title hard-court shoot out; and

WHEREAS, facing many worthy opponents in its ascent to the hall of champions, Simpson County Academy opened the tournament against River Oaks School, whom they dominated from the game's onset, to advance to semi-final play against Brookhaven Academy, holding a 25 to 16 advantage at halftime; and

WHEREAS, it was in the tournament finals where the Cougars were faced in contention with a familiar foe in the Hartfield Hawks, in what would be the fourth and most epic meeting of the teams, and played out in front of a packed house of exhilarated fans to the tune of a final score of 47-29, with Jake Brown leading the team with 14 points, followed by Daniel Taylor with 10; and

WHEREAS, for their superb display of athleticism and skill, four Simpson County Academy players were named to the All-State Tournament Team, including: Jake Brown, Austin Douglas, Mason Herrin and Daniel Taylor; and

WHEREAS, the Cougars have been superbly coached and led by Head Coach James Crain who has broadened the player's knowledge of the game and enhanced and refined their skills on the court, and whose revered coaching ability has enabled him to now win six State Championships during his career, with Simpson County Academy becoming the third school he has guided to a State Title with a school record of 108 wins and 35 losses; and

WHEREAS, the 2013-2014 Simpson County Academy "Cougars" High School Boys Basketball Team Roster consists of: Cade Caughman, Peyton Sullivan, Kolby Burton, Jacob Berry, Denver Jones, Mason Herrin, Isaiah Adkins, Jake Brown, Ryan McElroy, Ashton Moody, Daniel Taylor, Sam McWilliams, Nicholas Broadhead, Hayden Berry, and Austin Douglas; Head Coach James Crain; Assistant Coach Josh Hankins; Mangers, Quinn Caughman, Maddie Moody and Jaden Wedgeworth; Statisticians, Natalie Howell and Bradley Munn; Scorekeeper, Kasey McWilliams; Athletic Director Winston Mullins; and

WHEREAS, all of the team members will carry the lessons learned throughout their lives as they compete in athletics and these lessons will enhance their opportunities to be outstanding citizens; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, such as that displayed by the Simpson County Academy Cougars Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student athletes and their coaches, who 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 do hereby commend and congratulate the Simpson County Academy "Cougars" High School Boys Basketball Team and Coach James Crain for winning the 2013-2014 MAIS Class AA State Championship and extend best wishes for future academic and athletic success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach James Crain, Headmaster Billy Wayne Hankins and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.