House Resolution 62

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY LADY TIGERS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2021 CRICKET WIRELESS WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT.

WHEREAS, the Jackson State University Lady Tigers Basketball Team is headed to the Big Dance at the NCAA Tournament after

reigning supreme at the 2021 Cricket Wireless Women's Basketball Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama, achieving their first SWAC Tournament Championship since 2008; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Tigers played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, and during the game, their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first hustled onto the court until the final buzzer buzzed, as they outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered Alabama State University to win 67-66; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Lady Tigers relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop the opposing offense and outmaneuvered their defense, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted

trophy home to Jackson State, and earning them an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, which will be the Lady Tigers' first trip there since 2008; and

WHEREAS, the Jackson State University Lady Tigers Basketball Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: seniors, Kaisah Lucky, Sumer Williams, Kristy Parker and Marneisha Hamer; juniors, Ieisha Lacey, Antionette Womack, D'Asia Mitchell, Ameshya Williams, Walneika Holmes, Elexis Peyton, J'Niya Tallie, Dayzsha Rogan and Cherelle Jones; sophomore, Shelby Augustine; and freshman, Keshuna Luckett; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Tigers have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Tomekia Reed and Assistant Coaches Richard Bradley and Juanita Ward, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the championship season would not have been possible without the help of graduate assistant, LaShonda Cousin, and managers, Joshua Gross and Johnny Forrest IV; and

WHEREAS, Coaches Reed, Bradley and Ward 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

Jackson State University Lady Tigers Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes, Head Coach Tomekia Reed and Assistant Coaches Richard Bradley and Juanita Ward, who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Jackson State University Lady Tigers Basketball Team for winning the 2021 Cricket Wireless Women's Basketball Tournament, 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 Tomekia Reed, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.