Senate Resolution 132

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE TISHOMINGO COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL "BRAVES" GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH BRIAN MIDDLETON FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, for Tishomingo County Girls Basketball Coach Brian Middleton, this season was all about family. He made the decision to start eighth-grader Meg Moore alongside her sister, Reese Moore, and then, to start his daughter, Baylon Middleton, at forward. Coach Middleton's decisions proved to be the right ones, as the "Braves" easily defeated Morton 37-17 in the MHSAA 4A State Championship at the Mississippi Coliseum on March 2, 2024; and

WHEREAS, it is the first State Championship in football, basketball and baseball for Tishomingo County High School (30-3); and

WHEREAS, "We have worked so hard for this," Coach Brian Middleton said. "I kept preaching this week that 'This is your opportunity and today is the day to go do it.' We did not shy away from this, and for the last two years we thought we belonged at the top. We just kept figuring out how we were going to get there"; and

WHEREAS, Morton (29-3) had trouble stopping game MVP Reese Moore who led all scorers with 14 points, along with five assists and four steals. Her sister, Meg Moore, was the team's second-leading scorer with 11 points. "It is super special to share this with my sister," Reese Moore said. "It is very emotional. We played in the driveway growing up, always on the same team, and to now play with her and get one, it feels great"; and

WHEREAS, defense was the key for Tishomingo County. The "Braves" limited Morton to six points in the first half to lead by 13. Morton began the third quarter with a 7-0 run as Nazrin Lyles hit a layup and then on the next possession made a three-pointer to make the score 21-13. After a timeout, a steal and assist by Baylon Middleton fueled the "Braves" on a 10-0 run to put the game out of reach; and

WHEREAS, the 2023-24 Tishomingo County High School "Braves" Girls Basketball Team Championship Roster: Maggie Young, Zareli Ozuna, Brianna Lowrey, Arlei Cummings, Cassidy Lowrey, Mylie Downs, Kalei Cummings, Kelsey Shea, Lily Reed, Madison Bennett, Gracen Reece, Madelyn Griffin, Kazli Timbes, Robynne McMillan, Christian Bobo, Campbell Holly, Abbi Reed, Annsleigh Fair, Lexi Massengill, Megan Perkins, McKenzie Gray, Claire Ray, Mak Gray, Ashley Booker, Kaley Latch, Baylon Middleton, Hannah Pounders, Adnee Floyd, Anna Hooper, Madelyn Long, Stephanie Edge, Albany Marlin, Margaret Claire Riley, McKenzie Blakney, Meg Moore, Reese Moore, Morgan Perkins, Briley Hill, Brittany Newcomb, Jayla Brown, Chloe Glidewell, Autumn Wilson, Katie Powers, Molly Pardue, Ashleigh McRae, DarylAnna Thrasher, Cara White, Aubree Lambert, Sandra Lambert, Grayson Brown, RayLea Hill, Clara Garland, Monica Ambrosio, Chloe Pounders, Mariah Vanderwal, Molly Nash and Kassidy Dees; and Head Coach Brian Middleton; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this special group of student athletes who have brought honor to their school, 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 Tishomingo County High School "Braves" Girls Basketball Team and Head Coach Brian Middleton for winning their first State Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Brian Middleton and Tishomingo County Principal Dr. Dax Glover for the team, forwarded to the Tishomingo County Board of Education and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.