Senate Resolution 144

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE JACKSON PREP LADY PATRIOTS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH MICHAEL MCANALLY FOR WINNING BACK-TO-BACK MAIS 6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

WHEREAS, we join the Jackson Prep students, faculty, alumni and administration in saluting the Lady Patriots Girls Basketball Team for winning back-to-back MAIS 6A State Championships; and

WHEREAS, on February 20, 2025, Jackson Prep was among the last four teams left standing to compete for the 2025 MAIS 6A Championship Trophy. The Lady Patriots went into the game as the reigning MAIS 6A champions and were determined to become back-to-back champions. The last time the Jackson Prep Girls Basketball Team won championships two years in a row was almost 20 years ago; and

WHEREAS, Jackson Prep and Presbyterian Christian found themselves tied before heading into halftime. The Lady Patriots pulled ahead in the second half and came out on top, winning 37-29. Their Head Coach Michael McAnally and junior Meg Barbour were thrilled to achieve this accomplishment; and

WHEREAS, Coach McAnally said he told his team in huddles that all they needed was a 60-second spurt of defense and quick scoring to give them a shot. Jackson Prep did not see its first lead of the championship until six minutes in the fourth quarter from a mid-range jump shot from Claire Crosby, putting the Lady Patriots up 23-22. What followed was a 3-pointer from junior forward Meg Barbour, and a 16-5 run ensued. McAnally admitted his team was frustrated throughout the game, but he said a sense of calmness kept illuminating the team during timeouts; and

WHEREAS, the Jackson Prep Basketball 2024-2025 Varsity Girls Roster: Abby Duncan, Ann Elise Walker, Ann Magee Stradinger, Meg Barbour, Cate Bailey, Grayson Garriga, Taylor Caton, Lella Rutledge, Claire Crosby, Maggie Bailey, Caroline Cross, Grace Watkins, Aubrey Bailey, Torrey Polk, Morgan Grimes, Reese Russ, Lily Grubbs, Bella Vance Dallas, Head Coach, Michael McAnally, Assistant Coaches, Keavy Noblin and Allie Gordon; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these 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 Jackson Prep Lady Patriots Basketball Team and Coach Michael McAnally for winning back-to-back MAIS 6A State Championships and extend the best wishes of the Mississippi Senate to the team, coaches, administration, parents and sponsors for future championships.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Michael McAnally for the team, forwarded to Jackson Prep Headmaster Lawrence M. Coco III and the Board of Trustees, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.