Senate Concurrent Resolution 623

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NORTHPOINT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL "LADY TROJANS" GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH BARRY GRAY FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST TSSAA CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN SCHOOL HISTORY.

WHEREAS, the Northpoint Christian School (NCS) "Lady Trojans" Girls Basketball Team defeated the Spartans of Knoxville Webb 63-42 on the campus of Lipscomb University on March 5, 2016, for their first Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) Class A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the "Lady Trojans" came out with an early and aggressive sense of urgency, taking a 16-9 lead at the end of the first quarter and never relinquishing it. It was a true team effort. Ashtyn Baker (22 points), Jade Wells (16 points), Lindsey Whiteside (13 points), and Lauren Gross (10 points) all played significant roles in the contest; and

WHEREAS, "We were very efficient shooting," said Head Coach Barry Gray. "I told them if we could take control of the offensive end that we could control our own destiny"; and

WHEREAS, with the victory the "Lady Trojans" finished the season with a 31-2 record, while claiming their first State Championship in school history; and

WHEREAS, congratulations to the following young ladies on their post game awards: State All-Tournament Team: Ashtyn Baker, Lindsey Whiteside, Jade Wells and Lauren Gross; and State Tournament Most Valuable Player, Ashtyn Baker; and

WHEREAS, Northpoint Christian School athletics is committed to maintaining the goals and standards set forth by the school and its administration. They believe athletics is an excellent tool to be used for God's glory. Northpoint Christian School's approach to athletics stem directly from God's Word. As a result, they are seeking to develop the physical and the spiritual life of the athlete; and

WHEREAS, the 2016 "Lady Trojans" Girls Basketball Championship Roster is: Ashtyn Baker, McKinley Baker, Lindsay Bramlitt, Mason Branning, Micaela Brown, Allie Enders, Lauren Gross, Amara McKay, Gigi Richardson, Hannah Shafer, Hadie Sowell, Caroline Swindoll, Jade Wells and Lindsey Whiteside; 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 Northpoint Christian School "Lady Trojans" Girls Basketball Team and Coach Barry Gray for winning their first Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Class A State Championship in school history, and extend our best wishes to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Barry Gray for the team, Northpoint Christian School President David Manley and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.