House Resolution 62

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE STARKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL YELLOW JACKETS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, becoming state champions for the second year in a row, the Starkville High School Yellow Jackets Girls Basketball Team reigned victorious at the MHSAA Class 6A State Championship, with a totally dominating 46-27 win against the Murrah High School Mustangs; and

WHEREAS, during the championship game last year, Starkville lost to Olive Branch, but the title was later given to Starkville after it was discovered that Olive Branch had played an ineligible player during the game, and throughout the past year, the Yellow Jackets were tremendously motivated to win the championship outright; and

WHEREAS, playing with full hearts and unimaginable amounts of finesse and determination, the Yellow Jackets rode the hot shooting of Kirsten Thompson and never trailed after their first basket of the game thanks to a fast start, hustling on the boards and hot shooting in the second half, and they shot 48.6 percent from the floor, held Murrah to 27 percent shooting and forced 18 turnovers, including seven in the first quarter, which virtually decided the game; and

WHEREAS, a 10-0 run gave Starkville a 24-10 lead midway through the second quarter, and Thompson had 12 points and had the answer offensively and defensively in the second half, and Murrah stayed primarily with jump shots and rarely ventured inside; and

WHEREAS, the Mustangs struggled, particularly in the first half, missing two of the five free throws they attempted and turning the ball over 12 times without recording an assist, and they were out-rebounded by 34-20, were outscored in every quarter and were held to single-digit scoring in every frame; and

WHEREAS, Murrah came back after halftime down 24-12 determined to even the game, but they never could get in rhythm offensively, as Starkville put together a 9-2 run, stretched their lead to 33-14 and cruised the rest of the way; and

WHEREAS, Starkville's Jariya Covington finished the game with 11 points and a couple of steals, Tabreea Gandy had eight rebounds and five assists and Kirsten Thompson led the Yellow Jackets with 21 points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots; and

WHEREAS, after their championship win, the Yellow Jackets dog piled near their bench, chanting "Two times!" and Head Coach Kristie Williams stated that she was proud of the team for winning the championship on the floor, especially the seniors, and she was excited that they got to hold up the gold ball and take photos because they would remember that moment for the rest of their lives; and

WHEREAS, with tremendous dedication and fortitude, the Yellow Jackets invested countless hours of hard work throughout the season and strived to win with unparalleled motivation and fervent determination during the championship game, and their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they stepped onto the court until the end of the game signaled their overwhelming victory; and

WHEREAS, the Yellow Jackets finished their outstanding season with a 28-2 record, and the key to the team's success was the tremendous team spirit and enthusiasm by the following talented student-athletes: Donsha Lee, Breanna Young, Jalisa Outlaw, Tabreea Gandy, Alexandria Gray, Jariyah Covington, Amaya Ford, Ayanna Harris, Carly Evans, Amaria Strong, Idalis Suell and Kirsten Thompson; and

WHEREAS, the Yellow Jackets were exceptionally coached and tremendously inspired by Coach Williams, who broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend outstanding student-athletes, especially those such as the Starkville High School Yellow Jackets Girls Basketball Team, whose excellence on the basketball court brings honor to their school, their community and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the Starkville High School Yellow Jackets Girls Basketball Team for winning the MHSAA Class 6A State Championship, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Kristie Williams and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.