House Resolution 145

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY LADY TIGERS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH TOMEKIA REED FOR WINNING THE 2022-2023 SWAC REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Jackson State University Lady Tigers Basketball Team clinched the 2022-2023 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Regular Season title, making it their fourth consecutive SWAC Regular Season Championship, after defeating Prairie View A&M 90-65; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Tigers held Prairie View A&M to just 16.7 percent from deep in a 4-for-24 shooting performance on the way to their convincing victory over the Panthers; and

WHEREAS, Jackson State had three players score in double figures, led by Jariyah Covington, who had 25 points; Keshuna Luckett, who added 13 points and two steals; and Ti'lan Boler, who chipped in with 10 points and nine rebounds; and

WHEREAS, led by Boler's three offensive rebounds, Jackson State pulled down 18 boards that resulted in 22 second chance points, and the Jackson State University defense held Prairie View A&M to only 25 percent shooting from the field; and

WHEREAS, with the win, Jackson State also claimed the number one seed in the 2023 Cricket SWAC Women's Basketball Tournament presented by Starry that was held March 8 through 11 in Birmingham, Alabama; and

WHEREAS, the Jackson State University Lady Tigers Basketball Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: Daja Woodard, Ti'lan Boler, Miya Crump, Laila Walker, Keshuna Luckett, Jariyah Covington, Angel Jackson, Areyanna Hunter, Daphane White, Ja'Leah Hickmon, Liz Martino, Alexis Roberts, Hayleigh Breland and Kennedy Ransom; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Tigers have been superbly inspired by Head Coach Tomekia Reed and Assistant Coaches LaShonda Cousin, Jonathan Williams and Chase Campbell, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, as well as by Sidney McKissack, the Director of Basketball Operations/Media Content; and

WHEREAS, Coaches Reed, Cousin, Williams and Campbell 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, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to join the students, faculty and sponsors in recognizing this special group of university student-athletes who have reached the pinnacles of collegiate basketball excellence and have brought honor to their university, 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 State University Lady Tigers Basketball Team and Head Coach Tomekia Reed for winning the 2022-2023 SWAC Regular Season Championship, and extend to the athletes and coaches best wishes for continued success.

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