Senate Concurrent Resolution 676

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2016-2017 ASHLAND HIGH SCHOOL "BLUE DEVILS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE MHSAA CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW.

WHEREAS, after a blowout 88-57 win over the Shaw Hawks, the 2016-2017 Ashland High School "Blue Devils" Boys Basketball Team was once again crowned Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A State Champions, earning their second title in as many years; and

WHEREAS, from the tip-off until the final buzzer, the Blue Devils maintained control of the game, and from their fast-paced transitions to their relentless defensive efforts, the Shaw Hawks could not compete, as evidenced by the final score; and

WHEREAS, while no one expected the Blue Devils to win the title last year, the team faced a lot of pressure this year to bring home the win, and that pressure is what fueled their desire and made this year's win so much sweeter; and

WHEREAS, even though Ashland will be saying goodbye to several great seniors, their legacy of hard work, work ethic and attitude created a reputation for the Blue Devils as a competitive tough team to beat; 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 Blue Devils Championship Team Roster is: DeAnthony Tipler, Rodriquez Reaves, Jamarqus Everett, Cornelius Jones, Micheal Mason, Keontrae Gibson, Ocquavion Agyekum, Davion Nash, Zayvon Knox, Richard Brooks, Tavionne Stigger, Zion Elliott, Cadarrius Crumb, JuWan Martin and Darrious Scales; and Head Coach Rolley Tipler; and

WHEREAS, winning the first Championship meant a lot to the program. Winning a second by 31 points made it hard to put into words for a lot of the team. For Coach Rolley Tipler this one had a different value to it. "This one meant more than the one last year," Tipler said. "No one expected us to do it again. We just wanted to make it right"; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the superb accomplishments of these student-athletes, 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 SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 2016-2017 Ashland High School "Blue Devils" Boys 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 this resolution be presented to Head Coach Rolley Tipler and Ashland High School Principal Erika Bare on behalf of the team, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.