House Resolution 116

(COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL WILDCATS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 6A STATE BOYS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP AND FOR BEING THE 24TH RANKED TEAM IN THE NATION.

WHEREAS, the Meridian High School "Wildcats" Boys Basketball Team reigns supreme after finishing the 2017 season with an impressive record of 30 wins and 2 losses, and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A State Boys Basketball Championship; and

WHEREAS, this was truly a dream season that began with the quote "Why not us?" implanted into the minds of each Wildcat player, and their unparalleled determination and year-round hard work helped catapult them to the state championship tournament, where they defeated Tupelo in a game of redemption 57-51, outpowered Callaway for the third time this season 67-50, and in the championship battle, a rematch of the 2005 championship game versus Murrah, the Wildcats pulverized Murrah 68-59 to raise their trophy high into the air in a jubilant celebration of immense accomplishment and deserved success; and

WHEREAS, during the final game that determined the winner and the loser and separated the men from the boys, point guard Jay Malone contributed to the team's success when he scored 23 points in the game, and Miles Miller added an additional 17 points to help lead the charge to victory; and

WHEREAS, the Wildcats preseason ranking was in the top ten in the nation and number one in the State of Mississippi, and since their rise to elite championship status, they have been ranked 24th in the nation, a remarkable feat for the ferocious team; and

WHEREAS, each member of the 2017 Wildcats Boys Basketball Team is uniquely talented and bursting with wit and athleticism, and before the tip off to the championship game, Miles Miller was named the C Spire Scholar Athlete and after the game, Jay Malone was named the C Spire Player of the Game; and

WHEREAS, the Meridian High School Boys Basketball Team has been superbly coached and inspired by first-year Head Coach Ronald Norman, who utilized his 20 years of experience as a head coach to broaden the Wildcats' knowledge of the game and refine their skills in execution, while also helping each player realize his fullest potential both on and off the court; and

WHEREAS, the members of this team will carry the unforgettable memories they made along their way to this championship victory, whether it was 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 Meridian High School Wildcats Boys Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this group of student athletes and Head Coach Ronald Norman, who have brought honor to their school, their community and 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 Meridian High School Wildcats Boys Basketball Team upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A State Boys Basketball Championship and for being the 24th ranked team in the nation, 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 Meridian High School, Head Coach Ronald Norman and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.