House Resolution 72

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2023-2024 MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL WILDCATS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH RONALD NORMAN UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 7A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Meridian High School Wildcats Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Ronald Norman reign supreme after finishing the 2023-2024 season with an impressive 24-9 record, and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 7A State Basketball Championship for the first time after the new classification was added at the start of the 2023-2024 school year; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season, the Wildcats played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of fortitude, and during the state championship game, their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first hustled onto the court until the final buzzer buzzed, as they outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered Clinton High School in a 54-50 win; and

WHEREAS, Coach Norman said there were many who doubted whether the Wildcats could reach the Class 7A title game, let alone win it all, but he credits the victory to the work of his players, claiming he now has 18 roses on the roster that all grew from the concrete; and

WHEREAS, during the championship matchup, Meridian led during every minute of the game until a jump shot by Clinton's Trey Alexander gave the Arrows a 43-42 advantage; however, there was one player that kept the team level-headed in the final minutes, Javion Yarbrough; and

WHEREAS, Yarbrough, who scored 28 points and won game MVP, told his teammates to not stress during the championship game when they had already dealt with deficits much worse during the season, so Meridian again relied on its experience, calmed down, and executed their plays perfectly in order to win; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the Wildcats 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 the coveted Gold Ball Trophy back to the Meridian High School trophy case; and

WHEREAS, the Wildcats have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Ronald Norman, who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and he continues to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member; and

WHEREAS, the members of this team will carry the unforgettable memories they made along their way to championship status, whether it be the long hours in the weight room or the grueling practices, 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 Meridian High School Boys Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes and Head Coach Ronald Norman, who have brought honor to Meridian High School 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 2023-2024 Meridian High School Wildcats Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Ronald Norman upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 7A State Basketball Championship, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all their future endeavors.

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