House Resolution 74

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MADISON-RIDGELAND ACADEMY PATRIOTS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE MAIS OVERALL TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Madison-Ridgeland Academy Patriots Boys Basketball Team defeated Jackson Prep 57-47 on Saturday, March 1, 2014, in the Championship Finals of the MAIS Overall Tournament; and

WHEREAS, the Patriots (31-9), who fell in both the Academy AAA-I title game and the AAA championship game to Jackson Academy, redeemed themselves and celebrated a shining moment at midcourt in A.E. Wood Coliseum and it was their ninth Overall crown; and

WHEREAS, they gathered at midcourt and hoisted the gold basketball trophy as Head Coach Richard Duease simply watched from the bench, with the slightest of grins overtaking his face; and

WHEREAS, Ben Milam and Devin Gilmore each managed double-doubles, and MRA overcame a slow start to run past Jackson Prep after an early 14-4 deficit in the title game; and

WHEREAS, Coach Duease reflected on the season stating, "This is our seventh Overall championship in the last 10 years. Our motto was '70 percent' this season. We got that done today."; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend such a talented group of student athletes who have brought honor to their school, their community and to 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 Madison-Ridgeland Academy Patriots Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Richard Duease for winning the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Overall Tournament Championship and extend 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 Head Coach Richard Duease, Headmaster Tommy Thompson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.