Senate Resolution 101

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE COLUMBUS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY "RAMS" GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND "COACH OF THE YEAR" BILLY THOMAS FOR WINNING THE 2023 MAIS CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, down as many as 11 points late in the fourth quarter of its MAIS Class 2A semifinal against Delta Academy, a chance to play for a State Championship was all but lost for the Columbus Christian Academy Girls Basketball Team. Columbus Christian Academy Head Coach and MAIS 2A "Coach of the Year" Billy Thomas had to empty his bench, but in doing so, the "Rams" came alive. Great bench play propelled CCA to tie the game up at the end of regulation, and the "Rams" eventually won in overtime, moving on to the MAIS Class 2A Title Game against West Memphis Christian (Arkansas); and

WHEREAS, against all odds, the No. 3 seeded "Rams" (27-12) heading into State Tournament play ran the gauntlet, winning a State Title, which the team celebrated in front of a big crowd inside CCA's main gym on February 21, 2023; and

WHEREAS, "Being a young team, going into the district tournament, I was wondering if age was going to be a factor this year. I'm extremely proud of these girls for not getting caught up," Coach Thomas stated; and

WHEREAS, the State Championship Game against WMCS was close throughout, but some help off the bench and some late clutch shots gave the "Rams" a much-needed cushion as they tied the bow on an incredible title run; and

WHEREAS, it was a great atmosphere and great production that the school put on for the players as they walked up and down the stands, high-fiving students, family and friends alike before showing off their State Title trophy and banner to the onlooking crowd. The ceremony concluded as players from the team cut down the nets, each getting a small piece to represent a historic season for the "Rams," one that saw them have to beat two No. 1 seeds and a No. 2 seed to hoist some hardware; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 "Rams" Championship Roster is: Madyson Brock, Meagan Brock, Cassie Carter, Shienne Easterwood, Starr Easterwood, Ada Farlow, Carmen Ferraez, Audrey Glover, Shelbe Grissom, Lanie Jones, McKenzie Kain, Carrie Kinard, Julia Ladd, Kaitlynn McCoy, Annabeth Thomas, Satavia Watkins, Faith Yeates and Coach Billy Thomas; and

WHEREAS, the Class 2A MAIS Girls Basketball Team "Players of the Year" include Columbus Christian Academy's Satavia Watkins and Carrie Kinard. Coach Billy Thomas was named 2A MAIS "Coach of the Year"; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these 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 Columbus Christian Academy "Rams" Girls Basketball Team and Head Coach Billy Thomas for winning the 2023 MAIS Class 2A State Championship and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Billy Thomas and Columbus Christian Academy Head of School Don Mercer for the team, forwarded to the Columbus Christian Academy Board of Trustees and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.