Senate Resolution 42

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LEAKE ACADEMY "LADY REBELS" GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH AMANDA HATCH FOR WINNING THE 2021 MIDSOUTH ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT WHICH IS THE SCHOOL'S 6TH OVERALL TITLE.

WHEREAS, the Leake Academy "Lady Rebels" Girls Basketball Team led by Head Coach Amanda Hatch won the 2021 Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Overall Championship Tournament on March 9, 2021, by defeating Hartfield Academy 39-36 in Flowood, Mississippi. This was the program's 6th Overall Championship, 19th State Championship and numerous North State and District Championships; and

WHEREAS, after winning the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools 4A District II Championship and 4A State Championship, it seemed inevitable that Leake Academy would win the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Overall Championship. The Rebelettes faced Hartfield Academy, a team they already defeated three times including 82-45 in the semifinals of the State Championship. This time around, Hartfield would have the advantage of playing on its home court, which would prove beneficial; and

WHEREAS, Hartfield led for most of the first half before Leake Academy hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 15-15 before halftime. The Lady Rebels opened the second half with a 6-0 run and led by six at the end of the third quarter. With under a minute to play, Hartfield stormed back and cut the lead to 34-33. Senior Emmi Harkins had 24 points on the night that included five 3-pointers. The Lady Rebels made just seven of 32 shots from beyond the arc in the contest while shooting 17.2% in the first half and 39% in the second half. Leake Academy ends the 2020-2021 season with a 37-2 overall record. The Lady Rebels will carry a 27-game win streak with them into next season; and

WHEREAS, basketball at Leake Academy is a tradition. When you drive into Leake County, the first thing you see are basketball goals at every house. Everyone loves Leake Academy basketball. The Leake Academy Girls Basketball Team has a rich tradition of excellence. This year's Rebelettes aimed to defend their State AA Championship and improved upon finishing last season as the overall runners-up; and

WHEREAS, the 2021 Lady Rebels Championship Roster: Grace Maxey; Alli Grace Perry; McKinley Allen; Parks Chandler; Miriam Prince; Morgan Freeny; Emeri Warren; Laney Turner; Laura Katherine Clair; Emmi Harkins; Kaleigh Wooten; Maggie Stevens; Mabry Mayfield; Natalee Vaughn; Ramzy Beth Johnston; McKinley Peoples; Katye Jones; Allen Kaye Wilcox; and Head Coach Amanda Hatch; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of 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 Leake Academy "Lady Rebels" Girls Basketball Team and Head Coach Amanda Hatch for winning the 2021 Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Overall Championship Tournament, which is the school's 6th overall title, 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 Amanda Hatch for the team and Leake Academy Headmaster Brian Pickens, forwarded to the Leake Academy Board of Trustees and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.