Senate Concurrent Resolution 561

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SIMPSON ACADEMY "COUGARS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH CAREY CRAIN FOR WINNING THE MAIS CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on February 19, 2022, Simpson Academy "Cougars" Boys Basketball Team took it to the top defeating Starkville Academy to win the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) 5A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, in the Championship Game, Simpson Academy faced Starkville Academy who recently beat Simpson Academy in the North State Championship by four points. The Cougars jumped out to an early lead but Starkville quickly cut the lead to five points with a halftime score of 23-18. The lead was cut to 23-21, and the second half was all Simpson Academy. The final score was 65-39; and

WHEREAS, in the first round of the State Tournament, Simpson Academy faced off with Copiah Academy. The Cougars jumped out to an early lead in the 1st quarter with a score of 16-10. They expanded the lead and went into halftime leading 37-20. The second half was more of the same. The Cougars won with a score of 72-54. The Cougars were led by Senior, Dawson Drennan, with 17 points, eight rebounds and four steals; and

WHEREAS, the Simpson Academy Boys Basketball Championship Team Roster is: Sawyer Dunn, Cameron Larkin, Scott Maddox, Gage Smith, Colin Jenkins, Walker Phillips, Miles Owens, Travis Cockrell, Chanse Funchess, Parker Jones, Zach Brown, Benjamin Kennedy, Riley Clark, Dawsan Drennan, Bryce Williams, Tyler Flynt, Dylan Perdomo and Wesley Boyd; Head Coach, Carey Crain; Assistant Coaches, Chaucer Funchess and Brad Smith; Stats, Ramsey Jones; Athletic Director, Todd Mangum; and Trainer, Jonathan Pierce. Making the All State Tournament Team is Dawsan Drennan and Sawyer Dunn; 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, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Simpson Academy "Cougars" Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Carey Crain for winning the MAIS Class 5A State Championship and extend our best wishes to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Carey Crain for the team and Headmaster Nick Lee, forwarded to the Simpson Academy Board of Trustees and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.