House Resolution 117

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE PORT GIBSON HIGH SCHOOL "BLUE WAVES" BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH HULON C. NEWSOME FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2023-2024 SEASON.

WHEREAS, the Port Gibson High School "Blue Waves" Boys Basketball Team completed an excellent 2023-2024 season as Region 7 District 3A champions for the second year in a row, and were one of the "Final Four" teams of the 2023-2024 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Basketball Championship, a truly impressive achievement; and

WHEREAS, as a notable mention, in the 2022-2023 season, the Blue Waves were Region 7 District 3A champions, with a record of 26-6, and also went to the third round of the playoffs, which is the "Elite 8" quarterfinals of the state championship; and

WHEREAS, during the 2023-2024 season, though the Blue Waves experienced set-backs due to two senior star players that were not able to play, the other team members stepped up and had a remarkable season with a record of 20-10, and as the Blue Waves once again celebrated being district champions, ranked No. 1 in Region 7 District 3A for the second year in a row, with a 9-1 record in the district, and ranked No. 3 in the state, the team made it to the "Final Four" at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson, Mississippi, but unfortunately came up short of the championship; and

WHEREAS, throughout the 2023-2024 season, the Blue Waves played with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of fortitude, and during each game played, their mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first hustled onto the court until the final buzzer buzzed; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Waves relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic defensive moves to stop each opposing offense and outmaneuver each defense, which ultimately allowed the Blue Waves to have an excellent season; and

WHEREAS, the Port Gibson High School "Blue Waves" Boys Basketball Team is comprised of talented student-athletes who have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Hulon C. Newsome, 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 for his exceptional efforts, he was named coach of the year for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons; and

WHEREAS, the members of the Blue Waves team will carry the unforgettable memories they made along their way to having a phenomenal season, whether it be the long hours 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 having an extraordinary season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially that displayed by the Port Gibson High School "Blue Waves" Boys Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes and Head Coach Newsome, who have brought honor to Port Gibson High School and to the 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 Port Gibson High School "Blue Waves" Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Hulon C. Newsome for their outstanding 2023-2024 season, and extend best wishes to the team and coach for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Port Gibson High School "Blue Waves" Boys Basketball Team, Head Coach Hulon C. Newsome, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.