Senate Concurrent Resolution 602

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE "WILDCATS" BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH SCOTTY FLETCHER FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP SINCE 1994.

WHEREAS, it's been a long time coming for Pearl River Community College Women's Basketball Head Coach Scotty Fletcher and his Wildcats, but on February 10, 2022, they claimed the regular season Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) Championship for the first time since 1994. The Wildcats defeated the visiting Northeast Tigers 83-42 to earn the honor; and

WHEREAS, "I didn't tell the girls until our shootaround that we had a chance to make history tonight because I didn't want them to feel pressured. From where we were seven years ago to be able to be Conference Champions speaks volumes about the girls and assistant coaches. I've been extremely blessed with great players. We get the chance to hang a banner, get a Gold Ball and put a ring on our finger. That's incredible and to celebrate it with these awesome girls means a lot," Coach Fletcher said; and

WHEREAS, Pearl River (19-3 overall; 12-1 MACCC) was off and running to start the Championship Game, immediately hitting from downtown. Pearl River carried a 25-8 lead into the second quarter. The Wildcats opened the second by taking a 28-10 lead when Otashae Burrage pump-faked to draw a defender's reaction before stepping to the side and drilling a three-pointer. Pearl River didn't let up, eventually going ahead 46-23 just before halftime. The Wildcats came out of the break exactly the same way that they started the game as Otashae Burrage hit a three-pointer to extend the lead to 52-24. Pearl River Community College continued to pick up points at a rapid pace, ending the quarter on top 69-30. The final quarter of the night played out just like the others, with Pearl River dominating until the final buzzer. Pearl River ended the night with a convincing 82-42 victory. Otashae Burrage and Halle Traylor tied for the team lead in points with 12. When the starters were out and the bench players were in, there was no drop-off; and

WHEREAS, the members of the 2022 Pearl River Community College "Wildcats" Women's Basketball Championship Team Roster: Anessa Dussette, TyRaven McGowan, Tristen Washington, Otashae Burrage, Ty'Mesha Reed, Brandy Scott, Raven Smith, Keshunti Nichols, Halle Traylor, Alesha Temple, Amaijah Smith, Marcavia Shavers, Jaliscia Florence, Bryanna Taylor and Gabby Collier; and Head Coach Scotty Fletcher; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of college 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 Pearl River Community College "Wildcats" Women's Basketball Team and Head Coach Scotty Fletcher for winning their first Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference Championship since 1994, and extend our best wishes to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Scotty Fletcher and Pearl River Community College President Dr. Adam Breerwood, forwarded to the Pearl River Community College Board of Trustees, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.