Senate Resolution 78

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MCEVANS HIGH SCHOOL "WARRIORS" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH ERIC HENRY FOR WINNING THE MHSAA CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, behind a defense that forced 31 turnovers and the play of Brandon Hall and Jalen Smith, the McEvans High School "Warriors" raced past McAdams 67-48 to claim the MHSAA Boys Class 1A State Basketball Championship on March 2, 2023, at the Mississippi Coliseum; and

WHEREAS, it was McEvans (24-6) fifth State Title in school history and first since 2015, when the school was known as Shaw High School; and

WHEREAS, "The full-court press is something we haven't been using at all postseason and it was something that caught them off guard," said McEvans Coach Eric Henry. "Forcing turnovers that led to easy baskets is something we've done all year"; and

WHEREAS, McAdams jumped out to a 9-3 lead to begin the game and eventually held a 16-6 lead at the end of the quarter. After that, it was all "Warriors." McEvans went on a 18-2 run in the second quarter to take a 24-18 lead and held a 24-21 halftime lead. A 10-2 run to begin the second half stretched the "Warriors'" lead out to 34-23 and a 8-0 run to end the third quarter gave McEvans a 42-27 lead headed to the fourth. The final period was more even than the last two, but the "Warriors'" lead never dwindled below nine points. Brandon Hall and Jalen Smith each had 18 points to lead McEvans, while Edward Smith added 11 points for the "Warriors"; and

WHEREAS, "This State Championship means a lot to us and to the community," Coach Henry stated. "I started with these kids when they were in 10th grade and we lost last year in the semifinals and we were going to do what we needed to do to get back here and we did"; and

WHEREAS, the 2022-2023 "Warriors'" Boys Basketball Championship Team Roster is: Omarion Blake, Jalen Smith, Brenton Hall, Jordan McDaniel, Brandon Hall, Elijah Johnson, Bryan Dotson, Antone Kirkland, Edward Smith, Delvin Jordan, Treyshawn Thomas, Raysheed Hornes, Tanari Cooper, and Rodrick Phillips; and Head Coach Eric Henry; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student athletes who 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 McEvans School "Warriors" Boys Basketball Team and Coach Eric Henry for winning the MHSAA Class 1A State Championship, and extend the best wishes of the Mississippi Senate to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Eric Henry and McEvans Principal Tracy Dunn for the team, forwarded to the Bolivar County School Board and made available to Capitol Press Corps.