House Resolution 79

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE COAHOMA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL RED PANTHERS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 2A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Coahoma County High School "Red Panthers" Basketball Team reign supreme after finishing the 2017 season with an impressive record of 32 wins and 2 losses, and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 2A State Basketball Championship on March 15, 2017, at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, this was truly a dream season, as the unparalleled determination and year-round hard work helped catapult the Red Panthers to their first state championship in 11 years, a game in which they came from behind to defeat Baldwyn High School 60-47 to raise the trophy high into the air in a jubilant celebration of immense accomplishment and deserved success; and

WHEREAS, while Baldwyn led in the first half of play, the second half was a completely different story, as Coahoma started the third quarter on a 10-0 run, the credit going to their stifling 1-3-1 full court press and forcing six turnovers in the third and eight turnovers in the fourth quarter for a total of 23; and

WHEREAS, Coahoma's third quarter run was ignited by Senior Brandon Hornburger, who had six of their 10 points to start the half, and Junior guard Keion Cosby, who had dreamed of winning a state championship in basketball his whole life, was the game's MVP leading the comeback with four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and a team-leading 19 points; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Red Panthers relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop the Baldwyn offense and outmaneuver their defense, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted "Gold Ball" Trophy back to Coahoma County; and

WHEREAS, the 2017 Red Panthers Championship Basketball Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: Waltavious Cockerham, Keon Cosby, Bentavious Galmore, Markevious Holmes, Brandon Hornburger, Jaylin McCray, Derrick Moore, Markevius Phillips, Alshun Ross, Dewayne Rucker, Timarcus Sacks, Timothy Sacks, Effernee Taylor, Keyshawn Thomas, Jammion Burden, Gregg Johnson, Tykeevius Taylor, Jermaine Fry, Quenton Wolfe, trainers Latrentis Murrell and Antwonario Bryant, camera man, Martin Williams, and scorekeeper, Richard Cole; and

WHEREAS, the Coahoma County High School Red Panthers Basketball Team has been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Derrick Moore, Sr., who has broadened the Red Panthers' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the championship season would not have been possible without the help of Assistant Coaches Tim Williams, Daryl Moore and Justin Washington, who helped each player realize their fullest potential both on and off the court; and

WHEREAS, Coach Moore and Assistant Coaches Williams, Moore and Washington continue to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in their ability to produce high caliber players and plays and by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, the members of this team will carry the unforgettable memories they made along their way to championship status, whether it be the long hours in the weight room or the grueling practices, and the lessons of hard work, dedication and perseverance learned during this amazing season throughout their lives as they are constantly flooded with the feeling of greatness that accompanies being a champion; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, such as that displayed by the Red Panthers Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this group of student athletes and Head Coach Derrick Moore, Sr., who have brought honor to their school, their community and to their state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Coahoma County High School Red Panthers Basketball Team upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 2A State Basketball Championship, and extend best wishes to the team and coach for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coahoma County High School, Head Coach Derrick Moore, Sr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.