House Concurrent Resolution 107

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BAY SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOGS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Bay Springs High School Bulldogs Boys Basketball Team defeated the Okolona Chieftains by an impressive score of 74-58 in the Mississippi High School Athletics Association (MHSAA) Class 2A State Championship, demolishing their opponent and becoming the first boys state champion of Bay Springs High School in any sport; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs took control right from the start, leading the Chieftains 22-9 by the end of the first quarter, and all but sealing Okolona's fate; and

WHEREAS, led by four starting seniors who all scored double digits, the Bulldogs never let up and played their hearts out to finish their final season on a high note, capping off their 25-7 record with the championship title; and

WHEREAS, by the fourth quarter, Bay Springs was up 67-50 and continued to dominate on both offense and defense, fighting their guts out even though they knew that victory was assured; and

WHEREAS, building more momentum with each victory in their quest, the Bulldogs, whose fan base increased in a whirlwind of excited frenzy, approached each challenge with the poise and maturity of a veteran-led, championship caliber team; and

WHEREAS, even though there were several standout players, the championship win was possible because all the teammates gave it everything they had and played for each other, never playing selfishly and always keeping their eye on the ultimate goal; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Corey Mackey, who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs 2014-2015 roster is: Dakari Jenkins, Bruce Stevens, Javien Hamilton, Jaylan Cook, Ladayrus Wheaton, Maurice Newell, Jonnas Spivey, Kevin Grimes, Zavan Brown, LaGregory Gammage, Nick Feriderson, Montel Billups, Dashawn Crawford, Head Coach Corey Mackey and Assistant Coaches Terrence Smith and Chris Hayes; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring honor to Bay Springs High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the student athletes of this state, who bring honor to their families, school and to the 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 Bay Springs High School Bulldogs Boys Basketball Team for winning the MHSAA Class 2A State Championship and extend to them best wishes for continued success in all of their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Bay Springs High School, Head Coach Corey Mackey and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.