Senate Resolution 56

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE 2019-2020 PINE GROVE HIGH SCHOOL LADY PANTHERS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH KATIE BATES UPON WINNING THE 2020 MHSAA CLASS 1A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE TEAM'S FOURTH CONSECUTIVE CLASS 1A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Pine Grove High School Lady Panthers Basketball Team reigned supreme on March 6, 2020, after finishing the 2019-2020 season with an impressive overall record of 30 wins and eight losses and a perfect district record of 10 wins and no losses, capturing the 2020 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 1A State Basketball Championship for the fourth year in a row with a 48-41 win over the Baldwyn Lady Cats before an excited crowd at The Pavilion at Ole Miss; and

WHEREAS, throughout the State Tournament Games, the Lady Panthers 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 semifinal rounds of the State Championship, ousting West Union, Tupelo Christian Prep, Hickory Flat, West Lowndes and Baldwyn in their quest to victory; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Lady Panthers relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop the opposing offense and outmaneuver their defense, with a combined 43 of the team's 48 points being put up by seniors Loren Elliot and Karlie Rogers, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted Gold Ball Trophy back to Pine Grove High School; and

WHEREAS, the MHSAA Class 1A State Basketball Championship Team is comprised of the following talented student-athletes: Bella Jumper, Hannah Grisham, Brianna Baggett, Lana Rowland, Kenzie Miller, Channing Hurt, Karlie Rogers, Sydney Carter, Loren Elliot, Ellie Fryar, Kaylee Derrick, Mallory Bullock and Jenna Pannell; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Panthers have been superbly coached and inspired by Coach Katie Bates, who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and who also added a fifth state title to her resume, after having won her first Gold Ball as Head Coach of Class 3A Ripley in 2011; and

WHEREAS, this title makes the eighth overall State Championship for the Lady Panthers, and the legacy of this group consists of an incredible run over four seasons that resulted in four Gold Balls making their home in the Pine Grove High School trophy case; 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; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Panthers 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 with great pride that we recognize and commend excellence, especially that which was displayed by the Pine Grove High School Lady Panthers 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 SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 2019-2020 Pine Grove High School Lady Panthers Basketball Team and Coach Katie Bates upon winning the 2020 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 1A State Basketball Championship and fourth consecutive Class 1A 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 this resolution be presented to Coach Katie Bates for the team, Pine Grove High School Principal Brad Pounders, and members of the Capitol Press Corps.