House Resolution 108

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE EAST WEBSTER HIGH SCHOOL LADY WOLVERINES BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION CLASS 2A GIRLS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the East Webster High School Lady Wolverines Basketball Team defeated West Tallahatchie in a 68-64 overtime thriller to claim the Mississippi High School Athletics Association (MHSAA) Class 2A Girls State Championship, their first state championship in school history; and

WHEREAS, after trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half, the Lady Wolverines came out of half time determined to make their mark and stormed back to cut the West Tallahatchie lead to 39-36 going into the fourth quarter; and

WHEREAS, in the fourth quarter, down 54-53, Quantesha Patterson, who scored a game-high 39 points, made one of two free throws with two seconds left to tie the game and send it into overtime; and

WHEREAS, in the extra period, the girls came together and did not miss a beat, taking their first lead of the game and holding on to it until the final buzzer sounded and proclaimed them champions; and

WHEREAS, this championship win is a special testament to the strength of the East Webster team and coaches who, having had to face adversity with the mid-season passing of their former coach Stan Hughey, played their hearts out for their coach who they knew was watching over them; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Wolverines have been superbly coached by Girls Coach of the Year, Bill Brand, who took over in the middle of the season and helped the team not only win a state championship, but deal with their tragedy in the best way they knew how, on the hardwood; and

WHEREAS, the 2014-2015 East Webster High School Lady Wolverines Girls Championship Basketball Team roster is: Macie Allen, Sariah Bell, Savanna Bell, Mari-Todd Brown, Jessica Davis, Autumn Frost, Alexis Gee, Mamie Hollenhead, Jernikki Jones, Lynesha McCurry, Tarshetia Myles, Emily Nason, Jennah Pate, Quantesha Patterson, Jessica Reed, Bailie Springfield, Lauren Terrell and Kendall Wilkinson; Head Coach Bill Brand; Assistant Coach Courtney O'Briant; and Managers, Mariah Bell and Malakia Kuhn; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Wolverines 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 East Webster High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the student athletes of this state, who bring honor to their families, school 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 East Webster High School Lady Wolverines Basketball Team for winning the MHSAA Class 2A 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 East Webster High School, Head Coach Bill Brand and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.