House Resolution 69

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE ASHLAND HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON COMPLETING AN EXCELLENT SEASON AND WINNING THE 2016 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 1A BOYS BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on March 10, 2016, the Ashland High School Blue Devils won the 2016 Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A State Championship, after months of hard work and practice, coupled with years of unyielding passion and dedication, the Blue Devils' dreams became reality when the final buzzer sounded and they lifted the championship trophy high above their heads; and

WHEREAS, the 60-49 defeat of West Lowndes punctuated an excellent 26-win season and earned the Blue Devils their second MHSAA State Championship in school history, in which the Blue Devils last won in 1997, taking home the Class 2A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, trailing West Lowndes midway through the third quarter, the Blue Devils relied on their talented young roster to overpower the Panthers and achieve the immortal status of State Champions; and

WHEREAS, leading the Blue Devils to its first state championship in 19 years, Head Coach Rolley Tipler provided the high caliber of leadership necessary to give his team the chance they needed to bring the MHSAA State Championship home to Ashland High School; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Devils' championship roster includes: DeAnthony Tipler, Rodriquez Reaves, Jamarqus Everett, Myles Jimmerson, Michael Mason, Keontrae Gibson, Ocquavion Agyekum, Juwan Page, Richard Brooks, Tabionne Stigger, Zion Elliot, JuWan Martin and Darrious Scales; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the achievements of student athletes such as the Ashland High School Boys Basketball Team 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 Ashland High School Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Rolley Tipler upon completing an outstanding 26-win season and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A Championship, and extend best wishes to the team and coach for continued success in all of their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Rolley Tipler, Ashland High School Principal Dr. Lakimberly Hobson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.