House Resolution 77

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2023-2024 RAYMOND HIGH SCHOOL RANGERS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH TONY TADLOCK UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Raymond High School Rangers Basketball Team and Head Coach Tony Tadlock reign supreme after finishing the 2023-2024 season with an impressive 31-4 record, and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State Basketball Championship; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season, the Rangers 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 McComb High School Tigers in a 53-28 win; and

WHEREAS, the Rangers finished 10-0 in their district and claimed the Regular Season District Title along with winning the District Championship, and the Rangers also won the most games by a public school in the State of Mississippi and have now played for eight straight state championships and won five of them; and

WHEREAS, additionally, the Rangers won the Gulfport Holiday Classic where they knocked off Princeton, Ohio, Olive Branch, Mississippi, and in the championship, Windemere Prep, Florida all during a 3-day span; and

WHEREAS, during the championship series, the Rangers avenged an early season loss to the Choctaw Central Warriors in the semifinals, defeating them 66-53, and in the championship game, the Rangers 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 beat McComb for the fourth time and bring the coveted Gold Ball Trophy back to the Raymond High School trophy case; and

WHEREAS, the Rangers not only finished as the top team in MHSAA Class 4A, but they also finished as the top team capturing the number one ranking in the state in all polls, and this is the second time in the last three seasons that the Raymond Rangers have finished as the unanimous number one team in the state; and

WHEREAS, the Raymond High School Rangers are comprised of the following talented athletes: seniors, Dyllen Buckner, Adonis Dixon, Keymarius Lewis, Gekylenn Mosley, Eric Paymon, Chris Stephens, Mekhi Strong, Demarion Terry and Kemonte Wright; juniors, Jaydon Clark, Cameron Cornelius, Jaydn Garrett, Brandon Jones, Willie Myles, Eli Robinson, Brandon Walker, Kaleb Williams and Quitten Wright; sophomore, Tanari Stewart; and managers, Rashad Kennedy, Amodra Moffett, Lance Mosley, Aavery Payne, Jayden Singleton and Cailynn Williams; and

WHEREAS, the Rangers have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Tony Tadlock and Assistant Coaches Richard Caston, Joyce Moore Dawson and Satoria McPhearson, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and they continue 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 Raymond High School Rangers Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes and Head Coach Tony Tadlock, who have brought honor to Raymond 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 Raymond High School Rangers Basketball Team and Head Coach Tony Tadlock upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A 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 Tony Tadlock and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.