House Resolution 82

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE KIRK ACADEMY RAIDERETTES BASKETBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS CLASS AAA STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Kirk Academy Raiderettes Basketball Team reign supreme after finishing the 2017 season with an impressive record of 39 wins and 4 losses, and capturing the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AAA State Basketball Championship on February 25, 2017, at Kirk Academy in Grenada, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, this was truly a dream season, as the unparalleled determination and year-round hard work helped catapult the Raiderettes to the state championship battle, a game in which they defeated Bowling Green School 53-40 to raise their trophy high into the air in a jubilant celebration of immense accomplishment and deserved success; and

WHEREAS, the Raiderettes were 10-0 in the conference, beating their opponents by a margin of 47.5 points, won the District and the District Tournament, clinched the North State title and claimed victory at the Class AAA State Tournament, which advanced them to the Overall State Tournament, where they received the 2nd place honors after edging out Claiborne Academy, East Rankin Academy and Parklane Academy before falling to Jackson Academy, a Class AAAA school, in the final round; and

WHEREAS, the 2017 Raiderette Basketball Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: Seniors, Margaret Taylor and Raven Johnson; Juniors, Carley Hudspeth, Annie Box, Elizabeth Taylor and Morgan Claire Rose; Freshmen, Macie Hames, Campbell Thomas, Caroline Perry and Elizabeth McElwrath, and Bookkeeper Lamonda Stanford, Stats Analyzer, Josh Brown, and Videographer Sarah Grace Mitchell contributed enormously to the team's success and victories; and

WHEREAS, the Kirk Academy Girls Basketball Team has been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Amy C. Denley, who has broadened the Raiderettes' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and the championship season would not have been possible without the help of Assistant Coach Greg Denley, who helped each player realize her fullest potential both on and off the court; and

WHEREAS, Coach Amy Denley and Coach Greg Denley continue to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in their ability to produce high caliber players and plays and by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, the members of this team will carry the unforgettable memories they made along their way to championship status, whether it was the long hours in the weight room or the grueling practices, and the lessons of hard work, dedication and perseverance learned during this amazing season throughout their lives as they are constantly flooded with the feeling of greatness that accompanies being a champion; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, such as that displayed by the Raiderettes Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this group of student athletes and Head Coach Amy Denley, who have brought honor to their school, their community and to their state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Kirk Academy Raiderettes Basketball Team upon winning the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AAA State Basketball Championship, and extend best wishes to the team and coach for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Kirk Academy, Head Coach Amy Denley and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.