Bill Text: MS HR129 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Columbus High School Boys Basketball Team; commend on winning MHSAA 5A State Championship.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)
Status: (Passed) 2026-03-26 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR129 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2026-HR129-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Karriem
House Resolution 129
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM ON WINNING THE 2026 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, on March 7, 2026, the Columbus High School Boys Basketball Team reigned supreme when the Falcons handily defeated the Holmes County Central High School Jaguars in the 2026 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Championship, incredibly bringing home the team's first Golden Ball since 2018; and
WHEREAS, while both teams showcased exemplary skill and determination during the championship battle on the hardwood at the Mississippi Coliseum, the Falcons took a commanding lead in the second quarter and never surrendered it, as the team's mental stamina and unimaginable amount of fortitude never waivered for a moment as they outlasted and overpowered the Jaguars until the last buzzer sounded with the 52-38 final score on the board; and
WHEREAS, with the championship win culminating a 23-game winning streak, the 27-5 Falcons' success in capturing the state title, the team's third in school history, was powered by standout performances by Tylan Brown, who finished with 17 points and eight rebounds and was named Most Valuable Player for the championship, along with DJ Verdell, who found the net for 15 points, and Mike Hood, who chipped in 13 points; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus High School Falcons' success is attributable to the remarkable commitment and hard work of each of its talented student-athletes, including: Michael "Mike" Hood, Jr., Jawaun Thomas, Maxwell Leach, Cameron Aaron, Courtney Perry, Ben Latham, Davie "DJ" Verdell, Tylan Brown, Alan Cox, Timarion Bush, Michael "MJ" Brewer, Tyson Sims, Preston Harris, Malik Baldwin, Jace Buckley, Ethan Coats and Kameron Hayes, with the support of the team's managers, Torrance Nash and Jalen Roland; and
WHEREAS, the Falcons have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Phillip Morris and Assistant Coaches Roger Joiner, Allen Lewis, Bryan Nichols and Javontae McDavid, all who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and they continue to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member; and
WHEREAS, the members of this team will forever carry the unforgettable memories they made along the way to their hard-earned championship status, as well as the lessons of hard work, dedication and perseverance learned during this amazing season; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence such as that displayed by the Columbus High School Boys Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes and Coach Phillip Morris, who have brought honor to their families and school, the City of Columbus, and the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Columbus High School Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Phillip Morris on winning the 2026 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Championship and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all their future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach Phillip Morris on behalf of the Columbus High School Boys Basketball Team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
