Senate Concurrent Resolution 607

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MCCOMB HIGH SCHOOL "TIGERS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH HILTON HARRELL FOR CAPTURING THEIR FIRST 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SINCE 1962.

WHEREAS, Antonio Johnson scored a game-high 20 points, Emanuel Thompson added 19 points and 11 rebounds in a double-double and second-ranked McComb High School rolled to a 68-48 victory against Raymond during the Class 4A MHSAA Boys Basketball Title Game on March 15, 2014, at the Mississippi Coliseum; and

WHEREAS, it is the second Championship in program history for the Tigers, whose previous title came in 1962 (52 years). McComb reclassified from 5A to 4A this season; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers (32-1) were not challenged in their division. Antonio Johnson, who was held scoreless in the Tigers' Semifinal win over Byhalia, scored 15 of his points in the first quarter, helping McComb build a 25-9 lead after the first eight minutes. By halftime, the rout was in progress for the Tigers, whose only loss this season came by a point to Class 5A Champ Callaway. McComb Head Basketball Coach Hilton Harrell hoisted the Mississippi Class 4A Basketball Championship Trophy after the Tigers defeated the Raymond Rangers. This marked the second year in a row the Tigers competed in the State Tournament, and it was the first Championship win in Coach Harrell's 20 years at McComb; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers were making their seventh appearance at the Coliseum under Coach Harrell, who recharged the program this season after falling in the Class 5A Semifinals a year ago. It resulted in a dominating run in which the Tigers' average margin of victory was more than 24 points. "I want to congratulate Coach Harrell and the team on a great season. Coach Harrell has given McComb a number of great years. I am thrilled for the team and for the Coach" said Whitney Rawlings Mayor of McComb; and

WHEREAS, the McComb High School Boys Basketball Team Championship Roster is: Lederrius Simmons, Antonio Cowart, Shemar Williams, Roy Patterson, Michael Martin, Marquious Jones, Emanuel Thompson, Carlos Porter, Tredarius Lee, Antonio Johnson, Stacey Mack, Henry McDonald, Tredarius Pittman and KaDarron Mason; Head Coach Hilton Harrell; Assistant Coaches, Charlton Grey and Zebton Wells; and Athletic Director Malcolm Jones; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize a dream season by a 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 McComb High School "Tigers" Boys Basketball Team and Coach Hilton Harrell for capturing their first Class 4A State Championship since 1962, and extend our best wishes to the team, coaches and parents for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Harrell for the team, McComb Principal Robert Lamkin, forwarded to the McComb School District Board of Trustees and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.