Senate Concurrent Resolution 621

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MADISON-RIDGELAND ACADEMY "PATRIOTS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH RICHARD DUEASE FOR EARNING THEIR THIRD CONSECUTIVE MAIS OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, Madison-Ridgeland Academy (MRA) has been the dominant force when it comes to MAIS boys' basketball, and in the MAIS Overall Championship Game at Mississippi College on March 3, 2018, the Patriots added to their legacy by defeating Jackson Academy (JA) 61-52 to score a third straight title; and

WHEREAS, with legendary Coach Richard Duease (the all-time winningest Coach in Mississippi boys' basketball history) at the helm, the Patriots have been at the top of their game for more than a decade as they now have 12 Overall Titles in school history, with 10 of those Championships coming in the past 14 years. "It is all about my coaches and players," said Coach Duease. "They want to play hard. They are used to winning and they do not want to lose, and that makes a big difference"; and

WHEREAS, in a hotly contested first quarter, both MRA (34-5) and JA (20-13) went on scoring streaks, with MRA ending the quarter up 16-15. Although MRA had the lead, it was JA that created the electricity as the quarter ended. Raider TJ Smith launched a half-court shot just as the buzzer sounded, sending the JA fans into a frenzy when it went in and was counted after a review of the replay. While JA had the crowd behind them entering the second quarter, MRA was able to control the pace throughout the quarter, keeping themselves out in front the entire time and increasing their lead to 26-23 to close out the half; and

WHEREAS, the second half was once again all Patriots as they never took their foot off the gas, pulling out to a 10-point lead halfway through the third quarter and holding off a late Raider charge to take a 43-31 lead into the final quarter. Although JA outscored the Patriots in the fourth quarter 21-18, it was too little, too late, as MRA kept up the pressure to secure the win by a 61-52 margin; and

WHEREAS, three of MRA's players would combine for 47 of the Patriots' total points, with Trey Fort leading the way with 21 points. Zach Jones brought home 15 points for the team, while Braxton Eubanks finished the game with a double-double, scoring 11 points and snagging 12 rebounds; and

WHEREAS, the 2018 Madison-Ridgeland Academy "Patriots" Championship Roster is: Mike Carter, PG; Braxton Eubanks, F; Trey Fort, G/F; Cole Ruwe, G; Justin Jackson, G; Ryan Kitchens, G; Blake Baldwin, G; Walker Manning, F; Hampton Hudnall, G; D.H. Dew, G; Mario White, G/F; Zach Jones, C; Brendan Butler; Russ Sceroler; Graham Feild, G; Joshua Tucker, G; Lewis Davis, F; John Deddens; Landon Fulcher; William Milam, G; Coach Richard Duease; and Assistant Coach Mark Alexander; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these student athletes who have brought honor to their school, their community 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 Madison-Ridgeland Academy "Patriots" Boys Basketball Team and Coach Richard Duease for earning their third consecutive MAIS Overall Championship, and extend best wishes of the Legislature to the team members, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Richard Duease for the team, forwarded to Madison-Ridgeland Academy Headmaster Termie Land and the Board of Trustees, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.