House Concurrent Resolution 61

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM ON WINNING THE NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (NJCAA) REGION 23 CHAMPIONSHIP AND FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2025-2026 SEASON.

WHEREAS, the Northwest Mississippi Community College Rangers Women's Basketball Team completed an outstanding 2025-2026 season with an impressive 23-8 overall record and an 11-3 conference record, demonstrating excellence, determination and teamwork throughout the season; and

WHEREAS, under the leadership of Head Coach LaTaryl Williams, the Rangers overcame adversity and showcased remarkable resilience, culminating in a thrilling postseason run through the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 23 Tournament; and

WHEREAS, the Rangers captured the NJCAA Region 23 Women's Basketball Championship with a hard-fought 60-55 victory over the Pearl River Community College Wildcats Women's Basketball Team, demonstrating poise and determination in a championship environment; and

WHEREAS, the Region 23 Tournament championship run included victories over the Jones College Bobcats Women's Basketball Team in the quarterfinal round and the Itawamba Community College Indians Women's Basketball Team in the semifinal round, highlighting the Rangers' balanced scoring, strong defense, and unwavering commitment to teamwork; and

WHEREAS, throughout the season, the Rangers distinguished themselves as one of the premier defensive teams in the region, holding opponents to 45.2 points per game while averaging 43.4 rebounds per contest and finishing with a +17.5 scoring margin, reflecting the discipline and effort instilled by their coaching staff; and

WHEREAS, the team was led by standout performances from key players, including: Dekyra Mitchell, who averaged 17.0 points per game; Alorian Story, who averaged 16.3 points and 13.3 rebounds per game; Takera Bland, who contributed significantly on both ends of the court; and Layla Hampton, whose leadership at the point guard position guided the Rangers' offense throughout the season; and

WHEREAS, this championship marks a historic achievement for Northwest Mississippi Community College, representing the program's first appearance in the national tournament since 2005 and highlighting the continued excellence of community college athletics in the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the student-athletes of the Northwest Mississippi Community College Women's Basketball Team represent the very best of Mississippi's community college system through their dedication in the classroom, their sportsmanship on the court, and their commitment to representing their college and communities with pride; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize the achievements of the Rangers, whose championship win and successful season reflect positively upon Northwest Mississippi Community College, its faculty and administration, the Ranger community, and the entire State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Northwest Mississippi Community College Women's Basketball Team on winning the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 23 Championship and for their outstanding 2025-2026 season and extend best wishes to the team members and coaches for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Northwest Mississippi Community College Women's Basketball Team, Head Coach LaTaryl Williams, and the administration of Northwest Mississippi Community College and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.