Senate Resolution 32

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LANIER HIGH SCHOOL "BULLDOGS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH LAWRENCE CLARK FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION 2021 BOYS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, Jackson Public Schools is celebrating the Lanier High School "Bulldogs" on winning the MHSAA 2021 4A Boys Basketball State Championship. The final score on March 4, 2021, against the Raymond High Rangers was a decisive 64-48; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs finished the season with an astonishing 18-4, even enjoying a 16-week winning streak in spite of a season handed its share of pandemic ups and downs. Claiming their 17th State Title for boys basketball, the Bulldogs end a 14-year drought; and

WHEREAS, "With all that our scholars and communities have endured over the past year, it was great to witness the Lanier Bulldogs win the 4A State Basketball Championship," said JPS Superintendent Dr. Errick L. Greene. Lanier fans sprung into action when COVID-19 restrictions were lifted for the Championship Game. "833 nation was in full force and reminded us that we're indeed overcomers. Congratulations to the entire Lanier High School family. Well done"; and

WHEREAS, Team Captain Damaurian Edwards was named the C Spire Player of the Game. The junior point guard put up a three-point buzzer-beater in the semifinals to help Lanier advance to the Championship Game. Lanier used its post presence to dominate Raymond in the 4A Boys Basketball Title Game. Senior Guard Sacario Hamilton received the C Spire Outstanding Scholar Athlete Award; and

WHEREAS, though he was not able to be physically present, the team's Head Coach Lawrence Clark, was on everyone's mind throughout the playoffs. In his absence, Assistant Rafael Anderson served as acting coach; and

WHEREAS, the 2021 Bulldogs Championship Roster is: Cameron Foster, Joshua Washington, Michael Brown, Tobias Dawkins, Shamar Moffett, Damaurian Edwards, Corterious Shaw, Nick Turner, Rodney Burrell, Sacario Hamilton and Greg Franklin; Head Coach Lawrence Clark and Assistant Coaches Rafael Anderson and Ronald Cox; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of talented student athletes who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Lanier High School "Bulldogs" Boys Basketball Team and Coach Lawrence Clark for winning the MHSAA 2021 Boys 4A State Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Lawrence Clark for the team and JPS Superintendent Dr. Errick Greene, forwarded to the Jackson School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.