House Resolution 66

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PINE GROVE LADY PANTHERS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, before a packed crowd in the "Big House," the Pine Grove Lady Panthers Girls Basketball Team defeated Leake County in a 47-27 blowout win to claim the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A State Championship, their first state title since 1986; and

WHEREAS, after the Lady Panthers fell behind Leake County 6-0, Head Coach Katie Bates called a timeout and talked to her team, and whatever she said worked, as the Lady Panthers regained the lead two minutes into the second quarter and never gave it back; and

WHEREAS, all throughout the season, the Lady Panthers established themselves as a great defensive team, defeating Bogue Chitto 42-35 in the quarterfinals and Durant 50-35 in the semifinal round; and

WHEREAS, although there were several standout individual performances over the course of the season, the championship win was a culmination of hard work and team effort, with every player knowing their role and executing it perfectly; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Panthers championship team is comprised of: Bella Jumper, Bethany Crouch, Brianna Baggett, Kelsey Vick, Kayla Ross, Meagan Hill, Lexi Elliott, Karlie Rogers, Taylor Fletcher, Jessi Mauney, Loren Elliott, Haley Vick, Mollie Jumper, Mattie Michael and Jenna Pannell; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Panthers have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Katie Bates, who has broadened the Lady Panthers' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi's student-athletes, especially those such as the Lady Panthers, whose excellence on and off the field brings honor to their school, their families 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 Pine Grove Lady Panthers Girls Basketball Team upon winning the MHSAA Class 1A State 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 Katie Bates on behalf of the team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.