Bill Text: MS HR148 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Tougaloo College Men's Basketball Team; commend on winning HBCU Athletic Conference Western Division Title.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2)
Status: (Passed) 2026-03-26 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR148 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2026-HR148-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Gibbs (72nd), Foster
House Resolution 148
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE TOUGALOO COLLEGE BULLDOGS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH ERIC STROTHERS ON WINNING THE HBCU ATHLETIC CONFERENCE WESTERN DIVISION TITLE.
WHEREAS, on February 12, 2026, the Tougaloo College Men's Basketball Team clinched the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Western Division Title with an impressive 10-2 conference record, leading to a formal cutting down of the nets ceremony to celebrate the achievement at the end of the nonconference game against Southeast Baptist; and
WHEREAS, the 2025-2026 HBCUAC crown adds to a remarkable run for the overall 19-10 Tougaloo Bulldogs, with the latest title being the fifth consecutive for the team after the squad captured the 2024-2025 HBCUAC title following a trio of Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) titles in the 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years; and
WHEREAS, based on their extraordinary winning record each year, the Bulldogs have incredibly participated in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Tournament four out of the last five years, having finished in the first round three years and impressively, in the Elite Eight at the 2022-2023 National Tournament; and
WHEREAS, unbelievably securing the title of conference champs for five consecutive regular seasons, the Tougaloo Men's Basketball program is reputedly among the conference elite, widely respected as a consistent and dominant force year after year, no matter the names of the Bulldogs comprising the roster in any given season; and
WHEREAS, throughout the 2025-2026 season, Tougaloo relied on a balanced offensive attack led by standout guard Antonio Patterson, Tougaloo's Most Valuable Player, who as a four-year starter averaged a whopping 20 points per game and contributed 6.9 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game, making him a top scorer in the conference while providing a two-way presence for the Bulldogs; and
WHEREAS, the key to the Bulldogs' continued success has been the players' balance on both ends of the hardwood, resilience in tight contests and the ability to execute in critical moments, along with the remarkable commitment and hard work of each of its talented student-athletes, including: Jordan Ealey, Tyler Hudson, Jagger Young, Antonio Patterson, Damien Walters, Willie Anderson, Demarcus Hollis, Eric Steward, Christopher Stephens, Jakenyon McGhee, Daveon Johnson, Samuel Kabala, Gerlouis Tokody, Caleb Hill and Shelby Hughes; and
WHEREAS, the Tougaloo Men's Basketball Team has been superbly coached and inspired by fourth-year Head Coach Eric Strothers, Associate Head Coach Thomas Billups, and Assistant Coaches John Neal, Christoper Stephens and Elridge Walker, whose leadership, preparation and commitment to excellence have shaped the discipline and competitive spirit of the Bulldogs, with the support of Athletic Director Keith Barnes, Sports Information Director Eric Pilcher, and Managers Kobe Jones and Kaelynn Keller; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence such as that displayed by the Tougaloo College Men's Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of collegiate athletes and Head Coach Eric Strothers, who have brought honor to their families, Tougaloo College 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 Tougaloo College Men's Basketball Team and Head Coach Eric Strothers on winning the HBCU Athletic Conference Western Division Title and extend sincere 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 Head Coach Eric Strothers on behalf of the Tougaloo College Men's Basketball Team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
