Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HR115

Introduced
3/13/26  
Refer
3/13/26  
Passed
3/19/26  

Caption

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE STARKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL LADY YELLOWJACKETS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH MATT WILBANKS UPON WINNING THE 2026 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 7A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

Summary

House Resolution 115 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Starkville High School Lady Yellowjackets girls basketball team and Head Coach Matt Wilbanks for winning the 2026 MHSAA Class 7A State Championship. The resolution recounts the team’s 39-22 victory over Harrison Central at the Mississippi Coliseum, notes that the title was Starkville’s sixth girls basketball state championship and first since 2018, and highlights the team’s 31-3 season record and No. 1 statewide ranking. The resolution also recognizes individual and team accomplishments, including Jada Gay’s championship game MVP performance, her selection as 2026 Class 7A Miss Basketball, and other all-star and scholar-athlete honors earned by players on the roster. It closes by commending the coaches, players, parents, and supporters and by formally extending best wishes for future success.

Impact

HR115 does not change state law, create new programs, or appropriate funds. Its effect is purely commemorative: it places the House of Representatives’ official recognition on the record for Starkville High School, its players, and coaching staff, and directs that copies of the resolution be delivered to the head coach and the Capitol Press Corps. The only practical impact is symbolic, reinforcing legislative support for Mississippi student-athletes and public recognition of athletic achievement.

Sentiment

The sentiment around the resolution is uniformly positive and celebratory. The bill was adopted by the House, and the text reflects strong praise for the team’s discipline, teamwork, and excellence. There is no evidence of opposition, divided votes, or substantive debate in the provided materials, which is consistent with the resolution’s honorary nature.

Contention

There are no notable points of contention in the available record. Because the measure is a nonbinding commendation for a high school sports team, it does not appear to have generated policy disagreement, fiscal concerns, or committee controversy. The only substantive focus is on celebrating Starkville’s championship season and acknowledging the players and coaches by name.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HR89

Tupelo High School Lady Wave Basketball Team; commend upon winning back-to-back MHSAA Class 7A State Championship.

MS SR94

Commend Tupelo High School Lady Wave Girls Basketball Team for second consecutive Class 7A State Championship.

MS HC63

Choctaw Central High School Lady Warriors Basketball Team; commend upon winning MHSAA Class 4A State Championship.

MS HR115

Ingomar Lady Falcons Basketball Team; commend upon winning MHSAA Class 2A State Championship.

MS SC541

Commend Booneville High School Lady Blue Devils Girls Basketball Team for Class 3A State Championship.

MS HR101

Bay Springs High School Bulldogs Basketball Team; commend upon winning MHSAA Class 2A State Championship.

MS SR102

Commend Ingomar High School Lady Falcons Girls Basketball Team for third straight State Championship.

MS HR131

Tupelo High School Girls Cross Country Team; commend on winning back-to-back MHSAA 7A State Championships.

MS HR130

Quitman High School Boys and Girls Powerlifting Teams; commend on winning MHSAA Class 4A State Championships.

MS SR31

Commend Hancock High Lady Hawks Girls Golf Team for winning back-to-back MHSAA Class 6A Girls Golf State Championships.

Similar Bills

MS HR116

Starkville High School Yellowjackets Boys Basketball Team; commend upon winning 2026 Class 7A State Championship.

MS SR64

Commend Starkville High School Girls Basketball Team for winning 2026 MHSAA Class 7A State Championship.

MS SR65

Commend Starkville High School Boys Basketball Team for 2026 Boys Class 7A Basketball Championship.

MS SR94

Commend Tupelo High School Lady Wave Girls Basketball Team for second consecutive Class 7A State Championship.

MS HR89

Tupelo High School Lady Wave Basketball Team; commend upon winning back-to-back MHSAA Class 7A State Championship.

TN SJR0348

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend the Greenfield Lady Yellowjackets girls' basketball team upon winning the 2025 TSSAA Division I, Class 1A state championship.

MS SC521

Extend congratulations of Legislature to Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., President Emeritus of JSU and oldest living HBCU President.

MS SR47

Extend congratulations of Mississippi Senate to Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver A.J. Brown for Super Bowl Championship.