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Representative Price Wallace and Senator Andy Berry on Thursday, March 26, 2026, presented Senate
Resolution 61, to the Simpson Academy Lady Cougars Girls Basketball Team and Coach Linda
Dear for securing the 2026 MAIS Class 4A Division 1 State Championship on February 14,
2026, by defeating East Rankin Academy 54-45, led by freshman Elle McNulty’s 19 points. It is
the Lady Cougars’ first title since 2019. It was Dear’s fifth career state title in her 40-year
coaching career. Coach Dear has led the Simpson Academy program for 23 years, with this
championship marking another major milestone for the team. She has surpassed the 500 win
threshold.
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