House Resolution 163

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LAFAYETTE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL COMMODORES BASEBALL TEAM ON WINNING THE 2025 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on May 22, 2025, in a nail-biter of a game that will surely be remembered for years to come, the Lafayette County High School Commodores Baseball Team captured the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Championship held in Pearl, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, following the team's impressive 7-1 win in Game 1 a day earlier, the Commodores secured the title by defeating the South Jones Varsity Braves 2-0 in the series with a 9-6 victory in Game 2 after rallying late in the slugfest to overcome a 6-3 deficit by scoring six runs in the last two innings; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his outstanding play, Collin Waldrip, who helped lead the way for the Commodores by going 3-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs, was named the 2025 Championship Series Most Valuable Player; and

WHEREAS, having made a 2024 appearance at the championship and finishing as state runner-up, the Lafayette County Baseball Team arrived at Trustmark Park more determined than ever to return home to Oxford as the state champs, marking only the second time in school history since the Commodores' first ever win at the series in 2006; and

WHEREAS, the team's success throughout the season would not have been possible without the endless training and hard work of each of the following talented student-athletes who comprised the 2025 Commodores team: Levi Hamm, Easton Thompson, Ian Robinson, Mclain Corban, Brett Williams, Jack McMinn, Landon Cobbs, Max Roberts, Ian Mayo, Tanner Harris, Luke Anderson, Collin Waldrip, Sterlin Smith, Emmett Thompson, Flecther Atkinson, John Mcdougal, Javin Mitchell, Taylor John, Lawson Fortner, Carter Ewing, Caleb Guest, Reese Ingram, Lane Theobald, Max Mooney, Michael Robbins, Gage Perkins and Andrew Farmer; and

WHEREAS, the 2025 Commodores were superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach John Walker and Assistant Coaches Caleb Reno and Jonathan Lindsey, all of whom broadened the players' knowledge of the game while refining their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the Commodores Baseball Team have been supported in their athletic endeavors and can attribute much of their success to the administration, staff, parents, fans and overall supporters whose encouragement has remained fervent year after year; and

WHEREAS, consistently displaying a high-level of commitment, mental toughness and resilience, members of the Lafayette County Commodores Baseball Team are known for their winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude both on and off the field reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring honor to Lafayette County High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the youth of our state, such as the 2025 Lafayette County Commodores Baseball Team, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Lafayette County High School Commodores Baseball Team and their coaches on winning the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Championship and express sincere wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach John Walker on behalf of the Lafayette County High School Commodores Baseball Team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.