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H. R. No. 132 *HR26/R2753* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
26/HR26/R2753
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To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Representative Holloway (27th)
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 132
A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE MORTON HIGH 1
SCHOOL PANTHERS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI 2
HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 4A STATE 3
CHAMPIONSHIP. 4
WHEREAS, the Morton High School Panthers Boys Basketball Team 5
delivered an extraordinary performance during the 2025-2026 6
basketball season, culminating the capture of the Mississippi High 7
School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State Championship 8
and securing their third state title and their first since 1998; 9
and 10
WHEREAS, the Panthers have demonstrated outstanding athletic 11
excellence, discipline, and perseverance throughout the 2025–2026 12
season, compiling an impressive overall record of 22 wins and 13
eight losses, showcasing their consistency, resilience and 14
competitive spirit; and 15
WHEREAS, the team excelled in district competition with a 16
strong 7–3 record, proving themselves as leaders among their 17
peers, and they earned a statewide ranking of 31, reflecting their 18
H. R. No. 132 *HR26/R2753* ~ OFFICIAL ~
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elite level of play and dedication to excellence across 19
Mississippi; and 20
WHEREAS, outstandingly, the team concluded their remarkable 21
season with a decisive 67-55 victory over Leake Central High 22
School, before a crowd of enthusiastic supporters, demonstrating 23
exceptional skill, teamwork and determination on the court; and 24
WHEREAS, throughout their season, the Panthers played with 25
clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of fortitude, and 26
during the state championship game, their mental stamina and 27
athletic prowess never wavered from the moment they first hustled 28
onto the court until the final buzzer buzzed, as they outlasted, 29
outplayed and ultimately overpowered Leake Central; and 30
WHEREAS, this elite team is comprised of the following 31
talented student-athletes: Justice Anderson, Bryson Bounds, 32
Tristian Ealy, Tristan Hobson, Desmand Jenkins, Dannirius Louis, 33
Dolph McDonald, Xavier McDonald, Avonte Reese and Jaylin Stowers; 34
and 35
WHEREAS, the Panthers have been superbly coached and inspired 36
by Head Coach Maurice Bowie and Assistant Coaches Roderick Loper, 37
Mario Mapp and Ashley McDougle, who have broadened the players' 38
knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and 39
they continue to build upon the legacy of superior play and true 40
sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each 41
team member; and 42
H. R. No. 132 *HR26/R2753* ~ OFFICIAL ~
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ST: Morton High School Boys Basketball Team;
commend for winning Class 4A State Championship.
WHEREAS, this recognition stands as a testament to the hard 43
work, determination, and unity displayed by this exceptional team, 44
and their legacy will continue to inspire excellence both on and 45
off the court; and 46
WHEREAS, through teamwork, commitment and leadership from 47
players, coaches, and staff, the Panthers rose to the pinnacle of 48
success by capturing the 2025–2026 MHSAA Class 4A Boys Basketball 49
State Championship, serving as an inspiration to young athletes 50
everywhere; and 51
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to 52
recognize and commend the outstanding achievements of Mississippi 53
student-athletes, especially those such as the Morton Panthers, 54
whose hard work, determination, and championship spirit bring 55
honor to Morton High School, the Morton community and the State of 56
Mississippi: 57
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF 58
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby 59
commend and congratulate the Morton High School Panthers Boys 60
Basketball Team for winning the Mississippi High School Activities 61
Association Class (MHSAA) 4A State Championship, and extend best 62
wishes for continued success both on and off the court. 63
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be 64
furnished to Head Coach Maurice Bowie and the Morton High School 65
Panthers Boys Basketball Team, and to the members of the Capitol 66
Press Corps. 67