House Resolution 24

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE DESOTO CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL "JAGUARS" BASEBALL TEAM UPON THE OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENT OF RECEIVING AN INVITATION TO THE USA BASEBALL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT IN CARY, NORTH CAROLINA, SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 25-28, 2015.

WHEREAS, the DeSoto Central High School "Jaguars" Baseball Team, the 2014 Class 6A state title runner-up, have secured the most auspicious honor of being selected as one of 16 teams to participate in the Fourth Annual USA Baseball National High School Invitational Tournament to be held in Cary, North Carolina, scheduled for March 25-28, 2015, at the USA Baseball National Training Complex; and

WHEREAS, the Jags' appearance in this year's NHSI tournament is an exclusive distinction that carries a prestigious demarcation for the team and the entire State of Mississippi, as the invitation denotes the first time a Mississippi team has received such a notable privilege to participate in the national high school event that has been proclaimed tantamount to the College World Series and the Major League Baseball World Series since the tournament's inception in 2012; and

WHEREAS, the premiere event on the high school baseball calendar that brings in a level of talent from top to bottom, the eventual NHSI tournament champion will kick off their respective season with recognition and bragging rights as the top high school baseball team in the country; and

WHEREAS, the NHSI is a 16-team, single-elimination championship tournament, which guarantees each participating team four games of play, while presenting participating athletes with national exposure in addition to providing the opportunity for the best teams in the country to compete against each other; and WHEREAS, in addition to the mighty DeSoto Central Jaguars, this year's top-seeded teams include: Leesville Road High School from Raleigh, North Carolina, who will serve as the host of the tournament; Loyalsock Township High School from Williamsport, Pennsylvania; Puyallup High School from Puyallup, Washington; A. Crawford Mosley High School from Lynn Haven, Florida; St. Thomas Aquinas High School from Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Trinity Preparatory School from Winter Park, Florida; College Park High School from Pleasant Hill, California; Huntington Beach High School from Huntington Beach, California; JSerra Catholic School from San Juan Capistrano, California; San Clemente High School from San Clemente, California; Lambert High School from Suwanee, Georgia; Whitewater High School from Fayetteville, Georgia; Horizon High School from Scottsdale, Arizona; Farragut High School from Knoxville, Tennessee; and College Station High School from College Station, Texas; and

WHEREAS, as the Jaguars, who finished with an astonishing 2014 29-9 season record and state runner-up title, strive for a national pennant by laying it all on the line on the baseball diamond during what promises to be the most highly prolific series of games in the realm of high school baseball, the pride and esteem of the State of Mississippi are sure to accompany the loyal fans traveling to cheer the team to victory; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Mark Monaghan, along with assistant coaches, Jason Miller, Jeff Walls, Jeremy Simpson and Matthew Morgan 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 solidify the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the achievement of this team 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 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the DeSoto Central High School "Jaguars" Baseball Team and coaching staff upon the outstanding accomplishment of receiving an invitation to the USA Baseball National High School Invitational Tournament in Cary, North Carolina, scheduled for March 25-28, 2015, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for future athletic and academic success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach Mark Monaghan and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.