House Resolution 121

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY TIGERS WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2024 SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Jackson State University Tigers Women's Basketball Team reigned supreme, as they raced past Alcorn State University to claim the 2024 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Women's Basketball Championship, a truly outstanding accomplishment; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers have been the premier team of the SWAC for nearly six seasons, and in six years, they have won three SWAC tournament titles, five consecutive SWAC Regular Season Titles, the most consecutive regular season championships in SWAC women's basketball history, and three berths to the NCAA Tournament; and

WHEREAS, during the championship, the Tigers' mental stamina and athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first hustled onto the court until the final buzzer buzzed, as they outlasted, and ultimately outplayed Alcorn, and to claim this illustrious victory, the team relied on their swift feet, accurate shooting and strategic moves, which ultimately allowed them to bring the coveted championship title home to Jackson State; and

WHEREAS, this season, Jackson State led the #1 defense and #3 offense in the conference, while going undefeated against all SWAC opponents, and have continued to defend its home court after opening the season 2-0 at home to keep up with its 51-game home winning streak; and

WHEREAS, electric in her return to the court after suffering an injury setback last season, Miya Crump played in 26 games for JSU thus far and started in all 26, and she registered 11 consecutive double figure scoring games for a total of 19 on the season, which included three double-doubles; and

WHEREAS, closing out her collegiate career having scored 1,394 career points, Ms. Crump made a statement in her hometown against Texas Southern, dropping 23 points and 10 rebounds in the matchup, and she averaged 11.7 points this season and 6.1 rebounds, and shot 43.2 percent from the field and 69.6 percent from the free throw line, and she has a total of 303 points, 159 rebounds, 4L steals, 34 assists and seven blocks on the season; and

WHEREAS, a force in her fourth year with Jackson State, as she has appeared in 25 games for the Tigers this season, Ti'lan Boler lead the team in scoring with 333 points on the season, and she posted a season high of 20 points against Oregon State and Southern, and averaged 11.04 points and 3.7 rebounds per game; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Boler notched 16 double figure scoring games this season for JSU, and shot 37.5 percent from the field and 77.1 percent from the free throw line this season, and she has a total of 276 points, 92 rebounds, 2L assists and 19 steals on the season; and

WHEREAS, in her first year with the JSU women's basketball team, Andriana Avent had 14 double figure scoring games for the Tigers including a season high of 20 points at UAPB, and she averaged 11.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game and shot 33.0 percent from deep and made 36 three-point shots; and

WHEREAS, rounding her career with 1,060 career points, Ms. Avent totals 198 points, 48 rebounds and 15 steals on the season, and she was ecstatic for Jackson State off the bench, and was named the 2024 SWAC Tournament MVP; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers have been superbly coached and tremendously inspired by Head Coach Tomekia Reed, who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Reed continues to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in her ability to produce high caliber players and plays, and by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, for her outstanding efforts, Coach Reed was named SWAC Coach of the Year for the fourth time (three consecutive) in her career, and BOXTOROW HBCU National Coach of the Year three times; and

WHEREAS, the members of this team will surely carry the unforgettable memories they made along their way to championship status, whether it be the long hours of 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 Tigers, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes who have brought honor to Jackson State University 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 Jackson State University Tigers Women's Basketball Team upon winning the 2024 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Women's 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 Jackson State University Tigers Women's Basketball Team, Head Coach Tomekia Reed, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.