House Resolution 99

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE HARTFIELD ACADEMY HAWKS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE MAIS CLASS AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND FINISHING SECOND IN THE OVERALL STATE TOURNAMENT.

WHEREAS, the Hartfield Academy Hawks Boys Basketball Team finished their historic 37-5 season by defeating Brookhaven Academy 44-27 in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AAA Championship to claim the school's first state title in a major sport; and

WHEREAS, in addition to winning the Class AAA championship game, the Hawks beat Jackson Academy on a tip in with .6 seconds remaining to earn their spot in the MAIS overall basketball tournament final where they ultimately finished as runners-up to Madison Ridgeland Academy in the state in the all-divisions bout for bragging rights; 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 all players knowing their role and executing it perfectly; and

WHEREAS, the Hawks championship team is comprised of the following hard working and dedicated young men and coaches: Anderson Crechale, Brandon Gardner, Conner Husman, Dennis Martin, Drew Willis, Dustin Qualls, Franklin Miskelly, Jacquez Ollie, Jerrian Young, Josh Murphy, Matt Sykes, Ridge Penn, Shane Wingate, Spence Drake, Thomas Savell and Trey Clark; managers, Nick Blakely, J.D. Beall and Bob Crechale; Head Coach Steven Makamson; Assistant Coach Benton Ingram; and Athletic Director Joe Cole; and

WHEREAS, the Hawks have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Steven Makamson, who has broadened the players' 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 Hawks, whose excellence on and off the court 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 Hartfield Academy Hawks Boys Basketball team upon winning the MAIS Class AAA Championship and placing second in the overall state tournament, 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 Steven Makamson on behalf of the team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.