House Resolution 77

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE 2019-2020 SIMPSON ACADEMY COUGARS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2020 MAIS OVERALL STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SCHOOL HISTORY.

WHEREAS, the Simpson Academy Cougars Boys Basketball Team made history after finishing the 2019-2020 season with an impressive record of 37 wins and 6 losses, and capturing the 2020 Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Overall State Basketball Championship for the first time in the school's history; and

WHEREAS, on an historic Saturday afternoon at A.E. Wood Coliseum, the Cougars, winners of 14 straight games to end the year, defeated Jackson Prep 45-32 to claim the overall title, having jumped out in front of Prep in the first quarter by a score of 16-8 and never looking back, leading 26-19 at halftime and maintaining their 7-point lead to end the third quarter with a score of 34-27 before outscoring Prep 11 to 5 in the fourth quarter to achieve the sweet taste of victory; and

WHEREAS, to get to the title game, the Cougars defeated Oak Hill Academy 49-44 in the opening round, defeated Christian Collegiate Academy 59-28 in the quarterfinal round, and defeated Madison-Ridgeland Academy 73-53 in the semifinal round; and

WHEREAS, additionally, the Simpson Academy Cougars Basketball Team were the State 4A Champions, the South 4A Champions and the District 3 4A Champions and are comprised of the following talented athletes: Joe Berry, Jaden Wedgeworth, Scott Maddox, Jered Smith, Todd Larkin, Drew Williams, Cole Groover, Travis Cockrell, Seth Cooper, Parker Jones, Zach Brown, Cameron Larkin, Warner Watkins, Dawsan Drennan, Josh Flynt, Crosby Mullins and Wesley Boyd; and

WHEREAS, the Simpson Academy Cougars Boys Basketball Team, a program that has a rich history of state championships in 2001, 2014, 2015, 2019 and now 2020, has been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach James Crain and Assistant Coach Carey Crain, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coaches James Crain and Carey Crain 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 Simpson Academy Cougars Boys Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes, Head Coach James Crain and Assistant Coach Carey Crain, 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 2019-2020 Simpson Academy Cougars Boys Basketball Team upon winning the 2020 MAIS Overall 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 Head Coach James Crain, Assistant Coach Carey Crain, Simpson Academy Headmaster Billy Wayne Hankins, Athletic Director Winston Mullins and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.