WHEREAS, the Hopewell High School boys' basketball team won the Virginia High School League Class 3 state championship on February 20, 2021, at Abingdon High School; and

WHEREAS, the Hopewell High School Blue Devils defeated the Abingdon High School Falcons by a score of 58–55 to finish the season 8–0 and bring home the program's first state championship title since 1972; and

WHEREAS, the Hopewell Blue Devils and Abingdon Falcons were neck and neck for most of the contest, with the Blue Devils reclaiming the lead in the fourth quarter and holding on for the win; and

WHEREAS, on its championship run, the Hopewell Blue Devils defeated the Petersburg High School Crimson Wave in the Virginia High School League Region 3A championship by a score of 72–62; and

WHEREAS, the success of the Hopewell Blue Devils is the result of the tireless dedication of the student-athletes, the encouragement and guidance of their coaches and teachers, and the unwavering support of the entire Hopewell High School community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Hopewell High School boys' basketball team hereby be commended for winning the Virginia High School League Class 3 state championship in 2021; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Elvin Edmonds, head coach of the Hopewell High School boys' basketball team, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the team's achievement and best wishes for the future.