House Resolution 17

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NESHOBA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL LADY ROCKETS SLOW-PITCH SOFTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH TRAE EMBRY FOR WINNING THE 2014 MHSAA CLASS 5A-6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Neshoba Central High School Lady Rockets Slow-pitch Softball Team defeated West Harrison 13-3 on Saturday, October 25, 2014, at Freedom Ridge Park in Ridgeland to win the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A-6A State Championship for the third year in a row, sweeping the series 2-0; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Rockets never came close to losing either game in the championship, winning the first matchup against West Harrison by a score of 10-0; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Rockets' superior hitting muscled them past any team that dared to stand in their way, outscoring their opponents 533-139 and finishing with a team batting average of .532; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Rockets' strong work ethic and discipline led them to an unbelievable 35-1 season even though they faced stiff competition throughout the season; and

WHEREAS, one team that always stood in the Lady Rockets' path to a state championship was the New Hope Trojans, a team that was dominate up until 2011, but when the two teams met for the North Half Championship this year, the Lady Rockets won 24-7 and 20-3, proving that they are now the team to fear; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Rockets have a drive and desire to win that other teams do not have, as Head Coach Trae Embry put it, "These girls love softball and they love to compete"; and

WHEREAS, the 2014 Lady Rocket's roster is: Hailey Lunderman, Clair Winstead, Madalyn Thompson, Hailey Williams, Tori Henderson, Hallie Billie, Aahilya Jones, Taylor Ben, Taylor Harrison, Meg Martin, Mallory Tucker, Madalyn McHahon, Kayla Robertson, Kayla McKinion, Kaila Willis, Haley Holland, Alexa Agosto, Shea Bell, Ali Pike, Hannah Hall, Jasmine Chickaway, McKenzie Barnett, Alyssa Wilkinson, Meshay Jimmie, Alex Bowen, Laken Winstead, Kaylee Routh and Alexus Lathem; Head Coach Trae Embry; Assistant Coaches Zach Sanders and Taylor Petty; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize a team of student athletes who have brought pride 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 Neshoba Central High School Lady Rockets Slow-pitch Softball Team and Head Coach Trae Embry for winning the MHSAA Class 5A-6A State Championship for the third year in a row, and extend best wishes to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Trae Embry, Neshoba Central High School Principal John Bowen and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.