House Concurrent Resolution 98

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NESHOBA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BOWLING TEAM AND HEAD COACH JOEY BLOUNT UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION DIVISION II STATE BOWLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Neshoba Central High School "Lady Rockets" Bowling Team reigned supreme at the Mississippi High School Activities Association's Division II State Bowling Championship in a nail-biting game that left fans on the edge of their seats until the last pin was knocked down; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Rockets successfully bowled their way into the championship "Bakers Series," where, rather than the typical league format, five teammates combined to bowl 10 frames for one score, and Neshoba Central's combined score was enough to edge out D'Iberville in the fifth game and received the coveted state championship trophy; and

WHEREAS, the Neshoba Central girls went undefeated in the regular season with a 9-0 record, winning the North Regional as well as the State Tournament, and each game was extremely close, as the Lady Rockets won game 4 by just one pin, 182-181, and the fifth game had a very similar outcome; and

WHEREAS, the final Neshoba bowler, senior Hailey Copeland, needed to hit a spare and six pins to bring the championship home, and as she stepped up to the lane to bowl for the very last time as a Neshoba Lady Rocket, everyone knew she had the precision and accuracy necessary to clinch the win, and she absolutely did, as she bowled a spare and then a strike that solidified victory for the Lady Rockets; and

WHEREAS, the championship game marks the second state championship for the Neshoba Central girls in three years, and in their five-year history, they have always made it to the state tournament, receiving two first places, one second place and two third places; and

WHEREAS, individually, Hannah Wallace was second place overall at the State Tournament with an average of 184, Hailey Copeland had a 167 average and Destiny Dill had a 161 average, and the key to this team's consistent success has been the constant selfless atmosphere and the year-round hard work by each and every talented and distinguished bowler; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Rockets have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Joey Blount, who has broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and he helped the players reach their fullest potential and played a huge role in the success of the Neshoba Central High School Lady Rockets Bowling Team; and

WHEREAS, in their tireless dedication, the Lady Rockets have developed a winning, cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitudes reflect great credit upon the individual players and the coach; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the impressive accomplishments of Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the Neshoba Central High School "Lady Rockets" Bowling Team, whose excellence on the lane and in the classroom bring honor to their school, their community and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Neshoba Central High School Bowling Team and Head Coach Joey Blount upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Division II State Bowling Championship and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Joey Blount and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.