MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2022 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Hickman, Tate, Barnett, Branning, Butler (38th), Frazier, McCaughn, Norwood, Simmons (12th)

Senate Concurrent Resolution 569

(As Adopted by Senate)

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

     WHEREAS, on March 5, 2022, the Meridian High School "Lady Wildcats" Girls Basketball Team won its first State Championship in program history, taking down Harrison Central 49-43 in the Class 6A Final at the Mississippi Coliseum; and

     WHEREAS, Coach Deneshia Faulkner has led the Wildcats to three consecutive State Semifinal Games.  "It feels great," Coach Faulkner said.  "It's about time.  They deserve it"; and

     WHEREAS, Debreasha Powe had 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Wildcats (27-3).  Powe finished with 12 points and six rebounds in the first half as the Wildcats led 24-22 at halftime.  Senior Debreasha Powe continued to dominate in the fourth quarter.  Powe scored Meridian's first eight points in the fourth as Harrison Central (28-3) started its late-game push.  Powe's layup gave Meridian a 45-40 lead with 1:30 left and sealed the victory.  Senior Charity Hinton added 13 points and two rebounds for Meridian; and

     WHEREAS, the 2021-2022 Meridian High School "Lady Wildcats" Championship Roster:  Marion Leflore, Jamiya King, Raygan Faulkner, Tytianna Buckley, Charity Hinton, Syria Walker, Jamesha Jones, Jaden Hill, Kayli Hite, Jaloria Hudson, Jayda Jones, Eboni Alford, Debreasha Powe, Taleah Anderson, Symia Harbour, La Princess Powell, Raniya 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 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 Meridian High School "Lady Wildcats" Girls Basketball Team and Coach Deneshia Faulkner for winning their first State Championship in program history, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for continued success.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Deneshia Faulkner for the team and Meridian Principal Dr. Angela McQuarley, forwarded to the Meridian School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.