House Resolution 152

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2022-2023 BOONEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL LADY BLUE DEVILS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 3A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE SEASON.

WHEREAS, the Booneville High School Lady Blue Devils Girls Basketball Team reign supreme yet again after finishing the 2022-2023 season with an impressive 30-3 record, and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 3A State Basketball Championship for the second consecutive season, and the program's fourth state girls' basketball championship; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season, the Lady Devils played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, 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, as they outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered Forest High School Lady Bearcats, with a domineering 58-31 win; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the team 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 bring home the golden basketball for the second consecutive season, as evidenced by the dynamic contributions of Sa'Niya Cook with a game-high of 20 points, who also earned MVP honors, and Ava Kathryn Smith netting an additional 19 points; and

WHEREAS, during the championship game, the Lady Devils kept their focus and played one of their best games of the season, and initially jumped out to a 9-0 lead at the start of the game, but the Lady Bearcats mounted a 6-2 run, cutting the Lady Devils' lead to 11-6 at the end of the first quarter, and after leading at the half 30-8, the Lady Devils responded to each of the Lady Bearcats' attempts to cut into their lead by never allowing their lead to dwindle below 20 points, and Cook sealed the team's fate as eventual champions by sinking four consecutive free throws in the fourth quarter, securing an insurmountable 51-26 lead; and

WHEREAS, the Booneville High School Lady Blue Devils Girls Basketball Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: Ava Kathryn Smith, Madison Owens, Shaylea King, Josie Dawson, Sara Hatch, Arlaina Rogers, Chloe Ruth, Hadley Hurt, Kellan Johnson, Hallie Burns, Kylee Johnson, Kenleigh Jackson, Madison Middleton, Emsley Murphy, Olivia Garrett, Kaylee Johnson, Allie Gillespie, Taylor Brooke White, Sa'Niya Cook, Abby Morgan, Kaylee Wildmon, Makylah Pippins, Katherine Gillon, Hana Hurt, Kymani Smith, Kierra Slack, Raven McKinney and Jadyn Lindsey; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Devils have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Michael Smith, and Assistant Coaches, Micah Moment, Bryant Tynes, Cole Lauderdale, Chip Johnson and Kenny Paul Geno, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, having achieved legendary status this season by becoming the first coach in Mississippi history to win back-to-back boys and girls state championships, Coach Smith continues 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, plays and undoubtedly, 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, 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 Booneville High School Lady Blue Devils Girls Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes and Head Coach Michael Smith, who have brought honor to their school, community 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 Booneville High School Lady Blue Devils Girls Basketball Team upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 3A State Basketball Championship for the second consecutive season, and extend best wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.

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