Senate Concurrent Resolution 567

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LEAKE ACADEMY "LADY REBELS" GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH AMANDA GULLEY HATCH FOR WINNING THE MIDSOUTH ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (MAIS) 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on February 19, 2022, the Leake Academy "Lady Rebels" Girls Basketball Team traveled to Brookhaven Academy to play Bowling Green in the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) 5A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Rebels started off the game strong to make the game 16-10 at the end of the first quarter. Miriam Prince ended the first quarter with a junction three buzzer beater. Both teams struggled to score in the second quarter, making the game 21-20 at the end of the second quarter. The Rebels got going in the third quarter with a handful of three pointers from several players. At the end of the third quarter, the Rebels led 36-29. The Lady Rebels finished out the fourth quarter with several more three pointers to end the game with a 60-45 victory; and

WHEREAS, Miriam Prince, Morgan Freeny, Emeri Warren and Grace Maxey were named to the All-State Tournament Team; and

WHEREAS, the opening round game was the win-or-go home variety and pitted two programs that have long basketball traditions: Leake Academy and Brookhaven Academy. Leake Academy might love girls' basketball more than just about any other place on earth. For years, the program was a winning machine led by Doyle Wolverton. Wolverton had an all-time record of 1,245-182 and won numerous state championships during his time at the school, which began in 1975; and

WHEREAS, under current Leake Academy Coach Amanda Gulley Hatch, Leake has rarely missed a beat. Last season they were 37-2 and won the MAIS 4A State and Overall State Tournaments; and

WHEREAS, with a lead in the fourth quarter, Leake Academy allowed Brookhaven Academy to get within four points late, but then made the home team foul and sank the ensuing free-throws to take a 55-45 win and move their record to 32-3 on the season. It won't be the last meeting between the schools. In Madden, the small community where Leake Academy is located southwest of Philadelphia and southeast of Carthage, their upper elementary girls drill on fundamentals with a religious fervor. They're called "Tomorrow's Terrors." These two proud teams are always going to be strong; and

WHEREAS, the 2022 Leake Academy "Lady Rebels" Girls Basketball Championship Team members are: Grace Maxey, Olivia Rudolph, Miley Billie, Parks Chandler, Miriam Prince, Morgan Freeny, Emeri Warren, Laney Turner, Abigail Graham, Allen Kaye Wilcox, Kaleigh Wooten, Maggie Stevens, Raylea Atkinson, Ella Bell, Natalee Vaughn, Ramzy Beth Johnston, Marleigh Myers, McKinley Peoples, Katye Jones and Allison Thompson; and Head Coach Amanda Gulley Hatch; and

WHEREAS, in the Overall State Tournament, the defending Champions "Lady Rebels" lost to Jackson Prep in the Championship Game after tying the game in the fourth quarter; 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 Leake Academy "Lady Rebels" Girls Basketball Team and Coach Amanda Gulley Hatch for winning the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) 5A State Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future successes.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Hatch and Leake Academy Headmaster Brian Pickens, forwarded to the Leake Academy Board of Trustees, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.