House Resolution 56

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE RAYMOND HIGH SCHOOL RANGERS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2018 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Raymond High School Rangers Boys Basketball Team reign supreme after finishing the 2017-2018 season with an impressive record of 29 wins and 6 losses, and capturing the 2018 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State Basketball Championship; and

WHEREAS, this was truly a dream season, as the unparalleled determination and year-round hard work helped catapult the Rangers to the number one spot in Class 4A, to a top 10 finish in Mississippi, and to successfully finish the season with the state's longest winning streak at 20 wins in a row; and

WHEREAS, throughout the state tournament games at the Mississippi Coliseum, the Rangers played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, and in each game, their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first hustled onto the court until the final buzzer buzzed, as they outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered Noxubee County 81-57 in the quarterfinal game, Gentry 75-57 in the semifinal game, and Corinth 64-52 in the championship game; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Rangers relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop the Corinth offense and outmaneuver their defense, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted "Gold Ball" Trophy back to Raymond High School; and

WHEREAS, the Rangers kept their focus and played one of their best games of the season during the championship matchup, and several key players were rewarded for their efforts, including, Shardarrion Allen, who was named the Class 4A MVP for the second year in a row and to the All-State Tournament Team; Jiris Killingsworth, who was named the C-Spire Scholar Athlete of the Class 4A State Tournament, and Cameron Woodall and Jakorie Smith, who were named to the All-State Tournament Team; and

WHEREAS, additionally, the Raymond High School Rangers Basketball Team were undefeated in their district 10-0 and were the District Tournament Champions, Shardarrion Allen was named as the All-District MVP, and the All-District Team included Raymond stars Shardarrion Allen, Jakorie Smith, Jekeivious Williams, Jiris Killingsworth and Cameron Woodall; and

WHEREAS, the 2017-2018 MHSAA Class 4A Boys Basketball State Championship Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: Shardarrion Allen, Demarius Daniels, Jared Keyes, Jiris Killingsworth, Jekeivious Williams, Cameron Woodall, Kenjuan Davis, Wytavious McPherson, Jacob Robinson, Jakorie Smith, Tradavis Thompson, Alvin Brown, Martavian McWilliams and Keauris Stimage; and

WHEREAS, the Raymond High School Rangers Basketball Team has been superbly coached and inspired by District Coach of the Year, Head Coach Tony Tadlock, who has broadened the players' 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 Coach Kendall Taylor, who helped each player realize his fullest potential both on and off the court; and

WHEREAS, Coaches Tadlock and Taylor 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, as well as 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, especially that displayed by the Raymond High School Rangers Boys Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student athletes, Head Coach Tony Tadlock and Assistant Coach Kendall Taylor, 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 2017-2018 Raymond High School Rangers Boys Basketball Team upon winning the 2018 Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A State Basketball 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 Raymond High School, Head Coach Tony Tadlock and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.