House Resolution 108

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2023-2024 TISHOMINGO COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL LADY BRAVES GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING ITS FIRST MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Tishomingo County High School Lady Braves Girls Basketball Team reigned supreme after finishing the 2023-2024 season with an impressive 30-3 record, and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State Basketball Championship, a historical first for the basketball program; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season, the Lady Braves played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, and during the state championship game on Saturday, March 2, 2024, their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first hustled onto the court until the final buzzer, as they outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered Morton High School Lady Panthers, with a domineering 37-17 win; and

WHEREAS, to claim this illustrious victory, the team 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 home their first golden basketball, as evidenced by the dynamic contributions of Reese Moore with a game-high of 14 points, who also earned MVP honors, followed by her sister Meg Moore, netting an additional 11 points for the Lady Braves; and

WHEREAS, during the championship game, the Lady Braves kept their focus and played one of their best games of the season, and initially jumped out to a 4-2 lead during the first quarter, but created some separation during the second quarter with a 15-2 run, securing a commanding 19-6 lead over the Lady Panthers at halftime; and

WHEREAS, in the return of the third quarter Morton hustled out of the tunnel with a 7-0 run, trimming the Lady Braves' lead to 19-13, before Tishomingo unleashed the tomahawk fury and responded with a 10-0 run to close out the quarter 29-13, before sealing the team's fate as eventual champions with a slow-paced fourth quarter, limiting Morton to only four points in the final eight minutes of game play; and

WHEREAS, the Tishomingo County High School Lady Braves Girls Basketball Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: Maggie Young, Zareli Ozuna, Arlie Cummings, Mylie Downs, Abbi Reed, Ava Reed, Kazli Timbes, Lexi Massengil, Claire Ray, Ella Kinney, Baylon Middleton, Madelyn Long, Margaret Claire Riley,

Meg Moore, Reese Moore, Chloe Glidewell, Kalei Cummings and Britney Mock; team managers, Luke Middleton, Ashlyn Butler, Emalyn Ruple and Bethany Martin; and statistician, Mikey Shea; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Braves have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Brian Middleton, and Assistant Coaches, Cory Glidewell, Tannissa Jeffries and Sara Berryman, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution and embarking upon building a legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in their ability to produce high caliber players, plays and undoubtedly, by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, the members of this team will carry the unforgettable memories they made along their way to championship status, 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 Tishomingo County High School Lady Braves Girls Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes and Head Coach Brian Middleton, who have brought honor to their school, community 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 Tishomingo County High School Lady Braves Girls Basketball Team upon winning its first Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State Basketball Championship, and extend best wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.

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