MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2019 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Blackwell, Massey, Parker, Barnett, Branning, Clarke, Jackson (32nd)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE CENTER HILL HIGH SCHOOL "MUSTANGS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM ("THE HILL") AND COACH NEWTON MEALER FOR WINNING THE SCHOOL'S FIRST STATE 5A CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, two Gold Ball State Championship Trophies returned to DeSoto County from Jackson and the Mississippi Coliseum on March 8, 2019, after the 5A finals were played in girls and boys basketball; and
WHEREAS, after Braxton Morris tied the game at the first quarter buzzer on a half-court three-pointer, the Mustangs took control in the second quarter, outscoring the Quistors 27-18. Calvin Temple and Kaeden Laws led Center Hill in scoring with 11 points each in the first half. Free-throw shooting was a key in the first half for Center Hill, which hit 15-of-17 from the charity stripe. In a back-and-forth final eight minutes, the Mustangs were able to get a 75-73 advantage with 1.1 seconds left after a free throw. Jeffries took the inbound pass but his heave from three-quarter court was short and gave the Mustangs the title; and
WHEREAS, Calvin Temple finished with 24 points, one of four Mustangs in double figures. "I would put him up against any basketball player in the state," responded Coach Newton Mealer about his senior. "Calvin is much underrated, and his refusal to lose in those final timeouts is what made Center Hill basketball a State Champion." Mealer also said winning the State Title against a county rival provided a sweet moment for him and his program; and
WHEREAS, since being the Coach at Center Hill High School, Coach Mealer has guided the Mustangs to four straight District Championships, 3 elite 8 appearances, two State Tournaments and a Final 4. Coach Mealer's team holds the single-season win total with 27. Coach Mealer is also the three-time Coach of the Year. He has had several Mustangs earn college scholarships; and WHEREAS, the Center Hill High School "Mustangs" Boys Basketball Team Championship Roster is: Marquez Berry, G; Jaedin Bobo, C; Calvin Dockery, F, C; Cameron Goodwin, PG; Zandon Haralson, F; Jacquez Hardin, G; Kevin Henry, F, Captain; Antwon Honer, F; Kaden Laws, SF; Kenneth Lewis, G; James Mitchell, C; Braxton Morris, G; Decorian Payton, C; Jhamal Ross, G; and Calvin Temple, PG; Head Coach Newton Mealer; and Assistant Coaches Josh Barnett and Luke Chapman; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize a group of 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 the Center Hill High School "Mustangs" Boys Basketball Team ("The Hill") and Coach Newton Mealer for winning the school's first State 5A Championship, and extend to the players, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Newton Mealer for the team and Center Hill Principal Doug Payne, forwarded to the DeSoto County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.