House Resolution 132

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2022-2023 NORTHWEST RANKIN HIGH SCHOOL COUGARS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH JOSHUA LUCKETT UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 6A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Northwest Rankin High School Cougars Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Joshua Luckett reign supreme after finishing the 2022-2023 season with an impressive 26-8 record, and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A State Basketball Championship for the first time in program history; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season, the Cougars played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of fortitude, and during the state championship game on March 4, 2023, their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first hustled onto the court until the final buzzer buzzed, as they outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered Brandon High School in a 66-52 win; and

WHEREAS, senior guard Brendan Brown led the Cougars with 20 points, five assists and two steals after 29 points in the semifinals, and was named the game MVP, and the Cougars jumped out to a 20-8 lead and cruised to a 14-point victory over their crosstown rival; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Cougars relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop the opposing offense and outmaneuver their defense, which ultimately allowed them to win the "Battle for Rankin County" and bring the coveted Gold Ball Trophy back to the Northwest Rankin High School trophy case; and

WHEREAS, the Northwest Rankin High School Cougars are comprised of the following talented athletes: Brendan Brown, Evan Walker, Javien Crump, Addison Easterwood, Kaleb Hutchins, Jamarian Jenkins, Kamauri Oscar, Kanare'yun Terrell, Justin Smith, De'Shawn Dillon, Elijah Smith, Davion James, Ginorrian Banks, Jaylen Gaddis, Maddox Trigg, Kaleb Boggans, Levionne Lindsey, Magnum Henderson, Isaiah Goree, Bhracquayri Robinson, Kole Burleson, Cameron McFarland, Harley Cash Moore, Dominick Sanabria and Landon Sisco, and managers, Aiden Bryant, Layne Gammil and Jayvon Stewart; and

WHEREAS, the Cougars have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Joshua Luckett and Assistant Coach Rogerick Magee, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and they continue to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in their ability to produce high caliber players and plays and by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, the members of this team will carry the unforgettable memories they made along their way to championship status, whether it be the long hours in the weight room or the grueling practices, as well as the lessons of hard work, dedication and perseverance learned during this amazing season, throughout their lives as they are constantly flooded with the feeling of greatness that accompanies being a champion; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially that displayed by the Northwest Rankin High School Boys Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes and Head Coach Joshua Luckett, who have brought honor to Northwest Rankin High School and to the great 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 2022-2023 Northwest Rankin High School Cougars Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Joshua Luckett upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A State Basketball Championship, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Joshua Luckett and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.