House Concurrent Resolution 58

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE 2019-2020 SAINT ANDREW'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL "SAINTS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2020 MHSAA CLASS 3A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE TEAMS FOURTH CONSECUTIVE CLASS 3A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Saint Andrew's Episcopal School "Saints" Boys Basketball Team reigned supreme on Saturday, March 7, 2020, after finishing the 2019-2020 season with an impressive overall record of 29 wins and 6 losses and a 9-4 district record, capturing the 2020 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 3A State Basketball Championship for the second time in three years with a 61-40 win over Velma Jackson, putting a halt to the Falcons' 34-0 winning streak; and

WHEREAS, throughout the state tournament games, the "Saints" 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, as they outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered each of their formidable opponents in the preliminary and semi-final rounds of the state championship, ousting Tylertown, Southeast Lauderdale, Yazoo County, Holly Springs and Velma Jackson in their quest to the insurmountable glory of the state championship title; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the "Saints" relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop the opposing offense and outmaneuver their defense, led by Dandy Dozen Rashad Bolden's unbelievable postseason average of 33 points per game, and the leadership of the team's seniors, Arness Georgetown, Noel Wiggs, Josh Tucker and Jonathan Buckley, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted Gold Ball trophy back home; and

WHEREAS, the 2020 "Saints" MHSAA Class 3A State Basketball Championship Team is comprised of the following talented student-athletes: Michael John Davis, Rashad Bolden, Josh Tucker, Javion Johnson, Mark Edward Wilson, Jake Dowdell, Jameson McMillan, Christian Simms, Larry Day, Aaron Moore, JC Cook, Arness Georgetown and Noel Wiggs, and team manager, Jonathan Buckley; and

WHEREAS, the "Saints" have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Brian Cronin, and assistant coaches, Ontario Harper, Michael Timmer and JeMario Rugley, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the coaches 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, including repeat stellar performances by Arness Georgetown, Noel Wiggs, Jonathan Buckley, Rashad Bolden, Larry Day and Michael John Davis, who were also members of the Saint Andrew's 2018 State Championship team; and

WHEREAS, the "Saints" will carry the unforgettable memories they made along their way to championship status 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 this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially that displayed by the Saint Andrew's Episcopal School "Saints" Boys Basketball Team, an elite group of student-athletes, and Coach Bates, 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, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 2019-2020 Saint Andrew's Episcopal School "Saints" Boys Basketball Team upon winning the 2020 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 3A State Basketball Championship, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach Brian Cronin, Saint Andrew's Episcopal School and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.