MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE 2025 Regular Session To: Rules By: Representative Smith House Resolution 101 (As Adopted by House) A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2024-2025 BAY SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOGS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH STAN JONES UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 2A BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP. WHEREAS, on March 1, 2025, the Bay Springs High School Bulldogs Basketball Team defeated the Pelahatchie High School Chiefs in the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 2A Basketball Championship, incredibly bringing home to Bay Springs the team's third championship trophy in school history and first state title since 2019; and WHEREAS, the championship game, played at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson, proved to be a back and forth nailbiter, with the lead changing eight times and the score tied four times, which left fans sitting on the edge of their seats until the Bulldogs ultimately secured the 46-44 win in the game's final seconds when it added a free throw point and denied the Chiefs a pair of offensive possessions; and WHEREAS, while both teams showcased exemplary skill and determination on the hardwood, the 28-5 Bulldogs, forcing the Chiefs to slow down its fast game and using its size to its advantage, drilled down on defense, and with the team's mental stamina and fortitude on both sides of the ball never wavering for a moment, they outlasted and overpowered their opponent in the championship with the two-point victory; and WHEREAS, several players on the Bay Springs squad performed exceptionally well in the championship, with Jadius McCormick, named Most Valuable Player for the game, scoring 19 points with 12 rebounds, Dalyn Pierce scoring 12 points with ten rebounds, and Elijah Strickland scoring five points, including the game's final point; and WHEREAS, the Bay Springs Bulldogs' phenomenal success in the 2024-2025 season can be chalked up to the remarkable commitment and hard work of all of its talented student-athletes, including: Dalyn Pierce, Jadius McCormick, Nathan Gavin, Jaxton Moore, Darien Hosey, Robert Bender, Myson Young, Octavious McCormick, Elijah Strickland, Tyler Roberts, Caden Walker, Bobby Hamilton and Daylan Neal, and team managers, Gary Johnson, Chesten Jones, Justin Patterson, Jr., and Taavi McCormick; and WHEREAS, the Bulldogs have been superbly coached and inspired by first-year Head Coach Stan Jones and Assistant Coach Maurcita Arrington, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and they continue to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member; and WHEREAS, while the Bulldogs were supported and encouraged throughout the season by the school administration and their loyal fanbase, Coach Jones attributes the championship win and highly successful season to the memory of Coach Corey Mackey, the boy's basketball coach at Bay Springs for almost two decades, loved and respected by members of the team since their middle school years, who unexpectedly passed away in January 2024; and WHEREAS, the members of this team will forever carry the unforgettable memories they made along the way to their hard-earned championship status, whether it be the long hours of grueling practices or just spending time off the court together, as well as the lessons of hard work, dedication and perseverance learned during this amazing season; and WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence such as that displayed by the Bay Springs Bulldogs Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes and Coach Stan Jones, who have brought honor to Bay Springs High School, their families and community, the memory of Coach Mackey, and to the entire 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 2024-2025 Bay Springs High School Bulldogs Basketball Team and Coach Stan Jones upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 2A Basketball Championship and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all their future endeavors. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Bay Springs High School, Coach Stan Jones and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2025 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Smith
# House Resolution 101
## (As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2024-2025 BAY SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOGS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH STAN JONES UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 2A BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, on March 1, 2025, the Bay Springs High School Bulldogs Basketball Team defeated the Pelahatchie High School Chiefs in the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 2A Basketball Championship, incredibly bringing home to Bay Springs the team's third championship trophy in school history and first state title since 2019; and
WHEREAS, the championship game, played at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson, proved to be a back and forth nailbiter, with the lead changing eight times and the score tied four times, which left fans sitting on the edge of their seats until the Bulldogs ultimately secured the 46-44 win in the game's final seconds when it added a free throw point and denied the Chiefs a pair of offensive possessions; and
WHEREAS, while both teams showcased exemplary skill and determination on the hardwood, the 28-5 Bulldogs, forcing the Chiefs to slow down its fast game and using its size to its advantage, drilled down on defense, and with the team's mental stamina and fortitude on both sides of the ball never wavering for a moment, they outlasted and overpowered their opponent in the championship with the two-point victory; and
WHEREAS, several players on the Bay Springs squad performed exceptionally well in the championship, with Jadius McCormick, named Most Valuable Player for the game, scoring 19 points with 12 rebounds, Dalyn Pierce scoring 12 points with ten rebounds, and Elijah Strickland scoring five points, including the game's final point; and
WHEREAS, the Bay Springs Bulldogs' phenomenal success in the 2024-2025 season can be chalked up to the remarkable commitment and hard work of all of its talented student-athletes, including: Dalyn Pierce, Jadius McCormick, Nathan Gavin, Jaxton Moore, Darien Hosey, Robert Bender, Myson Young, Octavious McCormick, Elijah Strickland, Tyler Roberts, Caden Walker, Bobby Hamilton and Daylan Neal, and team managers, Gary Johnson, Chesten Jones, Justin Patterson, Jr., and Taavi McCormick; and
WHEREAS, the Bulldogs have been superbly coached and inspired by first-year Head Coach Stan Jones and Assistant Coach Maurcita Arrington, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and they continue to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member; and
WHEREAS, while the Bulldogs were supported and encouraged throughout the season by the school administration and their loyal fanbase, Coach Jones attributes the championship win and highly successful season to the memory of Coach Corey Mackey, the boy's basketball coach at Bay Springs for almost two decades, loved and respected by members of the team since their middle school years, who unexpectedly passed away in January 2024; and
WHEREAS, the members of this team will forever carry the unforgettable memories they made along the way to their hard-earned championship status, whether it be the long hours of grueling practices or just spending time off the court together, as well as the lessons of hard work, dedication and perseverance learned during this amazing season; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence such as that displayed by the Bay Springs Bulldogs Basketball Team, and it is with great pride that we congratulate this elite group of student-athletes and Coach Stan Jones, who have brought honor to Bay Springs High School, their families and community, the memory of Coach Mackey, and to the entire 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 2024-2025 Bay Springs High School Bulldogs Basketball Team and Coach Stan Jones upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 2A Basketball Championship and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all their future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Bay Springs High School, Coach Stan Jones and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.