Senate Concurrent Resolution 574

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE CHOCTAW CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL "LADY WARRIORS" GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH BILL SMITH FOR WINNING THE MHSAA CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on March 3, 2022, Choctaw Central Coach Bill Smith led the Warriors to the MHSAA Class 4A State Championship with a 56-49 victory over Tishomingo County at the Mississippi Coliseum; and

WHEREAS, the last time Choctaw Central won a State Championship, the Warriors reigned supreme over Class 3A for back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. Choctaw Central is a State Champion once again, but this time in a higher classification; and

WHEREAS, "These girls have worked tremendously hard," Coach Smith said. "We put in a game plan to try to slow down Tishomingo County and it worked to perfection. I couldn't ask for anything else from this team"; and

WHEREAS, Choctaw Central won its eighth State Championship behind a game-high 20 points and seven rebounds from Sophomore Malaka Morris, who started in the Championship Game after Senior Kyla Farmer was injured in the Semifinals; and

WHEREAS, the Warriors led 46-33 at the end of the third quarter and survived a late surge from Tishomingo County (31-4). The Braves trailed 53-49 with 1:12 left. Choctaw Central Sophomore Tayla Willis closed the game out with three free throws, ensuring the Choctaw victory; and

WHEREAS, the 2022 Choctaw Central High School Girls Basketball Championship Team Roster is: Jocelyn Bell, Kylinn Bell, Tori Henry, Mattison Bell, Kylie Williamson, Ashlynn Stephens, Kyla Farmer, Chesney Amos, Keshahn Wallace, Malaka Morris, Tyra Billy, Kodi Jimmie, Nataysia Willis, and Tayla Willis; Head Coach Bill Smith and Assistant Coach Elyse Willis; 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 Choctaw Central High School "Lady Warriors" Girls Basketball Team and Coach Bill Smith for winning the MHSAA Class 4A State Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Bill Smith, Choctaw Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben and Choctaw Central Principal Alaric Keams, forwarded to the Choctaw County Board of Education and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.