MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2024 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Norwood, Frazier, Simmons (12th), Horhn, Thomas, Butler, Simmons (13th), Blackmon, Jordan, Brumfield
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY "LADY TIGERS" WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM AND AWARD-WINNING COACH TOMEKIA REED FOR WINNING THE SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE FIFTH STRAIGHT SEASON.
WHEREAS, we join the JSU "Lady Tigers" Women's Basketball Team, coaches, faculty, students and fans in celebrating an outstanding and record-breaking 2023-2024 season; and
WHEREAS, on March 23, 2024, the Jackson State "Lady Tigers" Women's Basketball Team held Alcorn State to just 20% from beyond the three-point arc in a 3-for-15 shooting performance on the way to a (68-44) victory over the "Braves" at Bartow Arena in the 2024 SWAC Starry Women's Basketball Championship game. JSU won their ninth SWAC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship and their third under Head Coach Tomekia Reed; and
WHEREAS, Andriana Avent led the "Lady Tigers" with 17 points, one of three players who scored in double figures. Ti'lan Boler added 13 points and seven rebounds, and Hayleigh Breland chipped in with 11 points and three steals off the bench. Jackson State pulled down 18 rebounds that led to 13 second-chance points, thanks in large part to Zakiya Mahoney's five offensive rebounds. The "Lady Tigers" came away with 10 blocks. Angel Jackson's six rejections led the way individually for the "Lady Tigers." The All-Tournament Team included Ti'lan Boler and Andriana Avent, (MVP); and
WHEREAS, on March 3, 2024, after yet another dominating start to SWAC play, Head Coach Tomekia Reed and the Jackson State Women's Basketball Team were crowned the 2023-2024 Regular Season SWAC Champions for the fifth straight season after defeating Texas Southern by 50 points; and
WHEREAS, after completing a perfect (18-0) conference season, the Jackson State Women's Basketball Team won big with Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) postseason awards. Head Coach Tomekia Reed registered her fourth SWAC "Coach of the Year" honor (third consecutive) and Angel Jackson was named back-to-back SWAC "Defensive Player of the Year." Ti'lan Boler and Miya Crump finished on the All-SWAC First Team
WHEREAS, in her sixth season as Head Coach of the Jackson State Women's Basketball Program, Tomekia Reed has led her program to its fifth consecutive SWAC Regular Season Championship. As Head Coach of the "Lady Tigers," she has never had a losing record. The "Lady Tigers" have recorded their third 20-win season. Coach Reed opened the 2023-2024 campaign winning her 100th game at Jackson State. This season, she has reached 103 wins against SWAC opponents. She has also notched a victory over a Big East opponent after defeating St. John's (60-56) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, early in the season. The "Lady Tigers" are ranked top 100 in NCAA national rankings, again, sitting at No. 98. Under Coach Reed, Angel Jackson has been nationally ranked in multiple categories. Jackson is now ranked 10th in the nation in blocked shots and 13th in blocks. Coach Reed leads the No. 1 defense and No. 3 offense in the SWAC this season. Her team leads the SWAC in blocked shots, combined team defensive and offensive rebounds, and team field goal percentage. Coach Reed has led JSU to a (20-6) overall record and a current (18-0) SWAC recorded this season. For the first time in program history, Jackson State Women's Basketball received a vote in the AP Top 25 poll under Coach Reed's tenure; and
WHEREAS, the Jackson State "Lady Tigers" Women's Basketball Team won its 22nd game of the season on March 7, 2024, by defeating the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (82-67) at the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center. The win, which improved the "Lady Tigers'" record to (17-0) in Southwestern Athletic Conference games, resulted in one of the voters in the Associated Press women's basketball poll including Jackson State in their Top 25 ballot. "Lady Tigers" Coach Tomekia Reed posted on her social media account: "We always seek to do something that has never been done in our program as we look to continue to elevate the bar each year. But to receive an email saying we received a vote for the AP Poll is beyond my imagination"; and
WHEREAS, Jackson State "Lady Tigers" Women's Basketball Team Roster: Ti'lan Boler, Miya Crump, Laila Walker, Keshuna Luckett, Madison Roshelle, Mikayla Woods, Angel Jackson, Areyanna Hunter, Daphane White, Zakiya Mahoney, Ja'Leah Hickmon, Andriana Avent, Alexis Roberts, Hayleigh Breland and Katelyn Brinkley; Head Coach Tomekia Reed; and Assistant Coaches LaShonda Cousin, Chase Campbell and Jonathan Williams; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of university championship athletes who have brought honor to their university, their community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Jackson State University "Lady Tigers" Women's Basketball Team and award-winning Coach Tomekia Reed for winning the SWAC Championship for the fifth straight season, and extend to the team, coaches, faculty, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Tomekia Reed and Jackson State University President Marcus Thompson, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.