House Resolution 1

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE JACKSON PREP "PATRIOTS" BASEBALL TEAM AND COACH BRENT HEAVENER FOR WINNING THE MIDSOUTH ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (MAIS) 6A STATE BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE FIFTH CONSECUTIVE SEASON AND 21ST TIME IN ITS PROGRAM'S HISTORY.

WHEREAS, the Jackson Prep "Patriots" have won the MAIS 6A Baseball Championship for the fifth consecutive season and 21st time in its program's history; and

WHEREAS, proving hard work and diligence are the keys to success, the Patriots (31-7), (12-3) ensured their historic program victory with a 12-2 win over Madison-Ridgeland Academy (36-6), (12-3) on May 19, 2022, winning the best of three championship series in three games at its home field; and

WHEREAS, Jackson Prep won the first game at home 14-3, MRA won the second game at their field 12-11, Jackson Prep took momentum and never turned back as they took the series and the championship with a 12-2 home victory; and

WHEREAS, Coach Brent Heavener's superb leadership has refined the team's skills and was deservedly excited about the championship win, as he proclaimed, "So proud of these guys for how hard they battled, played and they put their stamp on Prep baseball and shows why this team is one of the best teams in the state. Winning a state championship is a feeling that never gets old."; and

WHEREAS, four of the 2022 Jackson Prep senior class signed college baseball followed by five members of the 2023 class, including Riley Maddox and Mason Nichols, of the four in 2021 college signing class, along with Jackson Prep alum Knox Loposer, helped the 2022 Ole Miss Rebels bring the second of two straight National Championships to the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Patriots had a winning attitude, outstanding sportsmanship and eagle eyes on their program all season, with a final ranking as the No. 21 team in the nation by Perfect Game and a No. 21 ranking by the National High School Baseball Coaches Association; and

WHEREAS, the 2022 Patriots Championship Roster is comprised of: Duncan Mathews, Thomas Cross, Trey Bridges, Rives Reynolds, Cy Craig, Christopher Maddux, Owen Abney, Clayton Grubbs, Eli Berch, Matthew Cochran, John Woods Hollowell, Ford McDaniel, Josh White, Andy Brown, Charlie Barbour, William Seymour, Jagger Mooneyham, Luke Smith, Jack Dryden, Konnor Griffin, Will Gibbs, Graham Busbea, Peyton Puckett, Owen Ishee, Gavin Mullins, Allen Rebich, and Nolan Canoy; Peter Downing, Head of Baseball Operations; Head Coach, Brent Heavener; Assistant Coaches, Marcus Canoy, Jay Powell and Zander Romano; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that we celebrate these student athletes who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Jackson Prep "Patriots" Baseball Team and Coach Brent Heavener for winning the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) 6A State Baseball Championship for the fifth consecutive season and the 21st time in its program's history, and extend best wishes to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be provided to Coach Brent Heavener for the team, to Jackson Prep Head of School, Lawrence Coco, III, the board of trustees of Jackson Prep and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.