House Resolution 69

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL LADY WILDCATS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH DENESHIA FAULKNER FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN PROGRAM HISTORY.

WHEREAS, on March 5, 2022, the Meridian High School Lady Wildcats Basketball Team won its first state championship in program history, taking down Harrison Central 49-43 in the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A final at the Mississippi Coliseum; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Deneshia Faulkner has led the Lady Wildcats to three consecutive state semifinal games, and stated, "It feels great. It's about time. They deserve it"; and

WHEREAS, Debreasha Powe had 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Lady Wildcats (27-3), finishing with 12 points and six rebounds in the first half as the Lady Wildcats led 24-22 at halftime; and

WHEREAS, the senior continued to dominate in the fourth quarter, scoring Meridian's first eight points in the fourth quarter as Harrison Central (28-3) started its late-game push; and

WHEREAS, Powe's layup gave Meridian a 45-40 lead with 1:30 left and sealed the victory, and senior Charity Hinton added 13 points and two rebounds for the Lady Wildcats; and

WHEREAS, the 2021-2022 Meridian High School Lady Wildcats Championship roster is comprised of: Marion Leflore, Jamiya King, Raygan Faulkner, Tytiana Buckley, Kenari Hardy, Charity Hinton, Syria Walker, Jamesha Jones, Jaden Hill, Kayli Hite, Jaloria Hudson, Jayda Jones, Eboni Alford, Debreasha Powe, Taleah Anderson, Symia Harbour, LaPrincess Powell, Ranyha Pruitt, Kristi Moore and Timia Graham; Head Coach Deneshia Faulkner; and Associate Head Coaches Darrin Mitchell, E'Trareo Warren and Londyn Thomas; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize such an outstanding 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 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Meridian High School Lady Wildcats Basketball Team and Head Coach Deneshia Faulkner for winning their first state championship in program history, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors best wishes for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Deneshia Faulkner, Meridian Principal Dr. Angela McQuarley, to the Meridian School Board and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.