MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2016 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Turner, Barnett, Dearing, Frazier, Jackson (32nd), Jolly, McMahan, Norwood

Senate Concurrent Resolution 628

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL "FALCONS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH LUTHER RILEY FOR WINNING ITS FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN SCHOOL HISTORY.

     WHEREAS, Luther Riley didn't hesitate when he was hired last year to say his goal was to lead the Columbus High School Boys Basketball Team to a State Championship.  On March 12, 2016, Coach Riley and the Falcons realized that goal.  In the process, they made history; and

     WHEREAS, Javontae McDavid hit two free throws in the final 17 seconds left to help Columbus beat reigning Champion Starkville 37-33 in the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A State Championship at the Mississippi Coliseum.  It was a matchup of two powerhouses and rivals.  Several college coaches and a large, raucous crowd with hundreds of fans from Columbus and Starkville alike were there to see the game; and

     WHEREAS, the win gave Coach Riley his sixth State Title, including the Grand Slam title he won at Provine High, and helped Columbus (26-5) win its first State Championship; and

     WHEREAS, McDavid led Columbus with 13 points.  Cameron Douglas (10 points) was the only other Falcon in double figures.  Robert Woodard II and Demetrice Clopton had six points.  Woodard II was named the game's Most Valuable Player.  He told his teammates that he wasn't going to leave Jackson until he got a Gold Ball; and

     WHEREAS, "I let it sink in because it was the first time Columbus had ever won a State Championship," said star Columbus forward Woodard, who captivated the audience at the Mississippi Coliseum with ferocious dunks and fluid shooting.  Woodward is training with the hopes of making the USA Basketball Men's U17 National Team.  Tryouts will be held in Colorado.  Woodard became a World Champion while playing for the U16 National Team last year.  He averaged 5.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and shot 45% from the field in five games; and

     WHEREAS, the 2016 Columbus High School Falcons Boys Basketball State Championship Roster is:  Willie "TJ" Gray, Robert Woodard II, Cameron Douglas, Chris Deloach, Artaveous McDyess, Kentravious McMurry, Jarvis Jackson, Javonta McDavid, Jartavious Dobbs, Demetrius Clopton, Dontae Harris, Devin Tate, Tyler Spencer, Jaquan Hines, Tyran Smith, Chris Blair and Denijay Harris; Head Coach Luther Riley; Assistant Coaches:  Gary Griffin, Phillip Morris, Tyler Adams and Don Deloach; Manager Jaylen Vance; Statisticians:  Kameryn Lang, Maya Bogan, Deniz Akizi, Tierra Ledbetter and Kayla Jordan; and Bookkeepers, Mary Owings and Cameron Oliver; 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 Columbus High School "Falcons" Boys Basketball Team and Coach Luther Riley for winning its first 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 Luther Riley for the team, Columbus High School Principal Scott Undray, forwarded to the Columbus School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.