House Resolution 71

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE STARKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL YELLOWJACKETS MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2015 MHSAA CLASS 6A BOYS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on March 14, 2015, the Starkville High School Yellowjackets Men's Basketball Team defeated the Madison Central Jaguars in an electrifying 43-40 overtime win to claim the 2015 MHSAA Class 6A Boys State Championship; and

WHEREAS, even though the Yellowjackets had many doubters early on in the season, they hit their stride when it mattered most, finishing the month of February with a perfect 7-0 record and winning the Class 6A, Region 3 Tournament to provide them home court advantage in the first round of the state tournament; and

WHEREAS, the Yellowjackets faced the fierce Madison Central team on the hardwood on three occasions prior to the title matchup, and defeating them two out of three times and proving that without a doubt the Yellowjackets are the best 6A basketball team in the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, after the Yellowjackets slow offensive start, Coach Greg Carter called a timeout and inspired his team to play with passion, lighting a fire in his team who then went on a 5-0 score streak, cutting the score to one point; and

WHEREAS, although Madison Central went into halftime with a 20-16 lead, the Yellowjackets came out of the half swinging and pulled to within two points of the Jaguars, going into the final period down 24-22, but armed with the knowledge that they have what it takes to topple the Jaguars; and

WHEREAS, at the close of the final period, free throws by Tyson Carter placed the Yellowjackets ahead of the Jaguars by two points, but the Jaguars tied the score at 34-34 at the close of regulation play, sending the game into overtime; and

WHEREAS, in overtime, Madison Central took the first lead, but it was the Starkville High School Yellowjackets who outworked their opponent in a relentlessly coordinated effort that ultimately paid off with a three-point championship victory; and

WHEREAS, although there were several standout performances by Yellowjackets' players, this championship win was a result of teamwork and unselfish play, with every teammate understanding their role and executing it perfectly; and

WHEREAS, the 2014-2015 Yellowjackets' roster is: JT King, Darrius Wilson, Nick Deloach, Raphael Leonard, Tyson Carter, Nakiren Ratliff, Keith Harris, Tavien Brownlee, Markedric Bell, Jarquez McCarter, Jamal Williams, Josh Skinner, Jessie Little and Darrious Agnew; and Head Coach Greg Carter; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the outstanding student athletes of this state, such as the Yellowjackets, whose hard work and determination bring honor to their parents, school and 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 Starkville High School Yellowjackets Men's Basketball Team for winning the 2015 MHSAA Class 6A Boys 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 Starkville High School Principal Dr. Toriano Holloway, Head Coach Greg Carter and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.