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HJR 249

Memorials, Sports - Unity School Lions boys' basketball team, TMSAA Class A state champions -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Pat Marsh

HJR 249 ceremonially honors Unity School Lions for winning the 2025 TMSAA Class A state basketball title, recognizing a historic achievement for Lincoln County and the school.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #sports
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Bill Summary · HJR 249

Summary of HJR 249 (Memorials, Sports) – Unity School Lions boys' basketball team

Purpose and Intent

  • HJR 249 is a ceremonial House Joint Resolution that honors and congratulates the Unity School Lions boys’ basketball team for winning the 2025 Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association (TMSAA) Class A state championship.
  • The resolution recognizes the team’s achievement as a historic moment for Unity School and Lincoln County, noting it as the first basketball state championship for Lincoln County at any level and the first middle school state championship in any sport.

Key Provisions and Content

  • Acknowledges the Lions’ 42-40 state-final victory over West Junior High School on February 15, 2025, and their overall 28-2 season record, including victories over teams that had previously won state championships (2021–2024 champs) during sectional and state tournament play.
  • Commends the team for resilience, teamwork, and mental/physical toughness demonstrated throughout the season, including a dramatic comeback in the championship game.
  • Highlights the players (across multiple grade levels, from sixth through eighth) and returning starters who earned recognition on All-Conference, All-Area, and All-Sectional teams; notes contributions of JV players as well.
  • Identifies leadership and support personnel, including Head Coach Stephen Bryan, Principal Bridgette Jones, Assistant Principal Carrie Bradford, and Athletics Director Jennifer Medley.
  • Emphasizes the broader impact beyond the court, including student leadership in activities like Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Beta Club, and participation in other school sports.
  • Acknowledges community support, including large crowds at postseason games and the state tournament.

Parties Affected

  • Unity School Lions student-athletes (across grades 6–8) and coaching staff.
  • Unity School administration and athletics staff.
  • The Unity community and Lincoln County, which are highlighted for their support and historic achievement.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 24, 2025.
  • House actions: Engrossed and favored (Feb 27, 2025); placed on Senate consent/calendar steps (early March 2025); sponsor additions and concurrence (Mar 6–7, 2025).
  • Senate actions: Concurred/approved via consent (Mar 6, 2025); enrolled and forwarded for signature (Mar 7, 2025).
  • Final status: Signed by the Governor (March 12, 2025); transmission completed (March 11, 2025).

Nature and Impact

  • The bill is ceremonial and does not impose new laws, regulations, or fiscal obligations. Its effect is official recognition and commendation, to be published as part of the state’s formal records and presented to the Unity School community.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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