House Resolution 94

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2021-2022 RAYMOND HIGH SCHOOL RANGERS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Raymond High School Rangers Boys Basketball Team reign supreme yet again after finishing the 2021-2022 season with an impressive 29-5 record, and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State Basketball Championship; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season, the Rangers played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, and for the first time in the school's history, they were ranked number one by The Clarion-Ledger during the preseason and also finished the season with the number one ranking by The Clarion-Ledger, a truly remarkable feat; and

WHEREAS, the Rangers were undefeated 12-0 in their district, and they were not only the regular season district champions, but also defeated Lanier High School 51-46 to be named the district tournament championship winners; and

WHEREAS, during the state championship 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 Clarksdale High School in a 67-46 win; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Rangers relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop the opposing offense and outmaneuver their defense, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted trophy back to the Raymond High School trophy case, their fourth championship trophy in six years; and

WHEREAS, during the championship game, the Rangers kept their focus and played one of their best games of the season, as they were up 14-11 by the end of the first quarter but really pulled away in the third quarter when they led 46-26, and during the fourth quarter, the game was already controlled by the Rangers when Eric Paymon, Jr., knocked down two free throws; and

WHEREAS, Jabarie Robinson won MVP and put up 19 points during the game, Tremaine Dixon put up 17 points for the Rangers and Chris Fuqua added another 13 points to the Rangers' score; and

WHEREAS, the Raymond High School Rangers Boys Basketball Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: Tremaine Dixon, Chris Fuqua, Christian Noel, Jabarie Robinson, Matthew Gilliam, Zhakeius Jackson, Larry Lee, Dontavious Mack, Kenosha Walton, Adonis Dixon, Keymarius Lewis, Gekylenn Mosley, Eric Paymon, Jayden Singleton, Chris Stephens, Demarion Terry and Kemonte Wright, as well as managers Kachren Lacy, Nathan Marshall, Damarcus Mixon and Arianna Stephens; and

WHEREAS, the Rangers have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Tony Tadlock and Assistant Coaches Richard Caston and Jason Claxton, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coaches Tadlock, Caston and Claxton 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 Raymond High School Rangers Boys Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes, Head Coach Tony Tadlock and Assistant Coaches Richard Caston and Jason Claxton, who have brought honor to Raymond High School, the City of Raymond and to the great 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 2021-2022 Raymond High School Rangers Boys Basketball Team upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A State Basketball Championship, 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 Tony Tadlock and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.