House Resolution 64

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE 2020-2021 HOLMES COUNTY CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL JAGUARS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2021 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 5A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE TEAM'S FIRST CLASS 5A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Holmes County Central High School Jaguars Boys Basketball Team reigned supreme on Friday, March 5, 2021, after finishing the 2020-2021 season with an impressive overall 12-6 record and a 3-1 district record, capturing the school's very first Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A Boys State Basketball Championship with a 64-58 win over the Lake Cormorant High School Gators; and

WHEREAS, throughout the state tournament games, the Jaguars 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 Vicksburg, Center Hill, Forest Hill and Lake Cormorant in their quest to the insurmountable glory of the state championship title; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Jaguars relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop the opposing offense and outmaneuver their defense, led by game MVP Amarrion Hoggan's stellar 17-point performance, and the equally remarkable contributions of Quashon Rowe's 15 points, Louzavious Thomas' 12 points and Malik Crigler's 11 points, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted Gold Ball trophy back home; and

WHEREAS, the 2021 Jaguars MHSAA Class 5A State Basketball Championship Team is comprised of the following talented student-athletes: Amarrion Hoggan, Louzavious Thomas, Quashon Rowe, Ricarvis Waters, Corey Johnson, Javarious Landfair, Malik Crigler and Jamarion Nelson; and

WHEREAS, the Jaguars have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach DeAngelo Priar, who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Priar has laid the foundation upon which a legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member can be built, as evidenced by the school's ability to produce high caliber players and plays and by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, the Jaguars 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 the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially that displayed by the Holmes County Central High School Jaguars Boys Basketball Team, an elite group of student-athletes, and Head Coach Priar, 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 2020-2021 Holmes County Central High School Jaguars Boys Basketball Team upon winning the 2021 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Basketball Championship, a history-making first 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 Head Coach DeAngelo Priar, Holmes County Central High School and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.