Senate Resolution 111

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BELMONT "LADY CARDINALS" JUNIOR HIGH BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH CHRIS HIGGINBOTTOM FOR WINNING THE GIRLS INAUGURAL 2022-2023 MISSISSIPPI MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, we join the students, coaches, faculty and parents of the Belmont Junior High School "Lady Cardinals" Basketball Team in celebrating their first-ever State Championship at the Inaugural 2022-2023 Mississippi Middle School Basketball Invitational held at East Mississippi Community College on January 28, 2023; and

WHEREAS, the "Lady Cardinals" postseason tournament play was outstanding: Regional Round played at Itawamba Community College, 1st Round, Belmont defeated Pontotoc 44-26; 2nd Round Belmont defeated Iuka 49-32, Super Regional played at Northeast Mississippi Community College, 3rd Round, Belmont defeated Neshoba County 49-19, 4th Round, Belmont defeated East Union 30-29; and Championship played at East Mississippi Community College, Belmont defeated St. Martin 56-22; and

WHEREAS, the 2022-23 Belmont "Lady Cardinals" Junior High Basketball Championship roster: LaMaye Southward, Ava Colley, Bella Holcomb, Brilei Dees, Dixie Holt, Lilly Sparks, Aubree Scott, Carsen Bohannon, Brooklyn Dill, Karsyn Sullivan, Zoe Newman, Stella Higginbottom, Alannah Storment, Brooke Smith and Head Coach, Chris Higginbottom; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these young Mississippi 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, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Belmont "Lady Cardinals" Junior High Girls Basketball Team and Head Coach Chris Higginbottom for winning the Inaugural 2022-2023 Mississippi Middle School Basketball Invitational Championship and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors the best wishes of the Mississippi Senate for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Chris Higginbottom for the Team, Belmont Middle School Principal Camille Stanfield, forwarded to the Tishomingo County Board of Education and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.