Senate Concurrent Resolution 632

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MARSHALL ACADEMY "LADY PATRIOTS" GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH MICHAEL CLIFTON FOR WINNING THE MAIS CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2017 SEASON.

WHEREAS, for the first time since 1997, the Marshall Academy "Lady Patriots" Girls Basketball Team are State Champions. Marshall Academy defeated Lamar Christian 50-28 in the Class AA Title Game on March 4, 2017, at Winona. That 22-point win followed 32- and 18-point victories earlier in the week, leaving no doubt who deserved the blue trophy; and

WHEREAS, "All of our hard work has paid off; it was worth every bit of it," said Sam Wilkins, one of four seniors on the team. "I can't explain it. I feel like we have made everyone proud. It's been 20 years." The other seniors on the State Title Team are Blake Martin, Hailey McMinn and Bryanna Miller; and

WHEREAS, the "Lady Patriots," playing their patented pressure defense, took it to the Lady Lions from the get-go. And the offense was clicking on all cylinders, too. When Martin and Alexis McGregor nailed back-to-back threes late in the first quarter, Marshall led 16-4. The "Lady Patriots" didn't let up in the second quarter. At the end of the third quarter, the "Lady Patriots" led 38-16. Eight minutes later, the celebration began as the number one team from the North had routed the top squad from the Central; and

WHEREAS, "The defensive effort was amazing, only giving up 81 points in three games (at the State Tournament) was a total team effort," said Head Coach Michael Clifton. "And the look on their faces as they waited on the buzzer was priceless." Much like the Championship Game, the "Lady Patriots" put their semifinal opponent away early. They routed Trinity, the top team from the South 63-31; and

WHEREAS, the Marshall Academy "Lady Patriots" Girls Basketball Team Roster is: Erin Burleson, G; Sam Wilkins, SF; Julia Nicholson, P; Erin Lomenick, G; Alexis McGreger, G; Audrey Poole, PG; Hailey McMinn, P; Peyton Stephenson; Karah Nicholson, PG; Mary Neely Jones, C; Savannah Woods, G; Keranie Jones, SF; McMinn Hailey, PF; Bryanna Miller, SG; Blake Martin, PG; Kaylee Patterson; Jakari Mitchell; Arriyunna Washington; Head Coach Michael Clifton; Assistant Coach Bryan Miller and Bookkeeper Ginny Martin; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this 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 SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Marshall Academy "Lady Patriots" Girls Basketball Team and Coach Michael Clifton for winning the MAIS Class AA State Championship and for their outstanding 2017 season.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Michael Clifton, Marshall Academy Headmaster Barrett Donahoe, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of Marshall Academy, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.