Senate Resolution 74

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BOONEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL "BLUE DEVILS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING BACK-TO-BACK MHSAA CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS AND HEAD COACH MICHAEL SMITH AS THE FIRST MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL COACH TO WIN CONSECUTIVE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL.

WHEREAS, Booneville star Kendrick Simmons scored 24 points to lead the "Blue Devils" to storm past Southeast Lauderdale 70-51 to claim the MHSAA Boys Class 3A State Championship for a second consecutive season at the Mississippi Coliseum on March 4, 2023; and

WHEREAS, it was the "Blue Devils" (30-2) fourth State Title in school history; and

WHEREAS, Michael Smith became the first Head Coach in Mississippi history to win back-to-back boys and girls State Championships; and

WHEREAS, "I couldn't do this without the coaches I work with. Back-to-back on something that's never been done is just special," Coach Smith said; and

WHEREAS, Booneville jumped out to a 9-0 lead, but Southeast Lauderdale responded with a 9-0 run to tie the game. Each team kept trading baskets. The "Blue Devils" had an answer for each and every time the "Tigers" cut into their lead. The "Blue Devils" held a 30-23 lead at halftime. A 9-4 "Blue Devils" run to begin the third quarter gave Booneville a 39-27 lead. Midway through the fourth, Simmons hit a three-pointer with 3:02 left gave Booneville a 60-45 lead and sealed the game; and

WHEREAS, Simmons' 24 points was the most by any player. McGee added 11 points, while Dalton Jackson and Landon Brown chipped in 10 points each for the "Blue Devils"; and

WHEREAS, the Booneville High School "Blue Devils" Boys Basketball Team Roster: Dalton Jackson, Landon Brown, Kendrick Simmons, Alec Nunley, James Dukes, Jekemry Bell, Rhett Smith, Briley McKinney, Dicorean McGee, Noah Gillon, Lebyron Tynes, Isaiah Jackson, Trenton Rocker, Elijah Dukes, Camryn Hampton, Jayden Williams, Elijah Shumpert, Matthew Windham and Koley Floyd; and Coach Michael Smith; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these student athletes who with their counterpart Girls Basketball Team 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, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Booneville High School "Blue Devils" Boys Basketball Team for winning back-to-back MHSAA Class 3A State Championships and Head Coach Michael Smith as the first Mississippi high school coach to win consecutive State Championships in both boys and girls basketball, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future consecutive victories.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Michael Smith and Booneville Principal Bo Sandlin, forwarded to the Booneville School District Board of Trustees, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.