HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5015 Offered April 12, 2006 Commending the Gate City High School girls' basketball team. ---------- Patrons-- Kilgore, Johnson and Phillips ----------

WHEREAS, Gate City High School (25-4) won the 2006 Virginia High School League Group A state girls' basketball championship on March 11, 2006; and

WHEREAS, before an enthusiastic crowd at the Siegel Center in Richmond, the Gate City High School Lady Blue Devils defeated the Clarke County Lady Eagles; and

WHEREAS, in the state semifinals, Gate City High School defeated top-ranked Floyd County High School, 52-48, to advance to the state title game; and

WHEREAS, to capture its first state title, Gate City High School had to beat two powerhouse teams, Floyd County High School and Clarke County High School, both of which finished the regular season unbeaten; and

WHEREAS, Gate City High School's 56-41 championship win over the Lady Eagles was especially sweet for the hard-working Lady Blue Devils after last year's near miss at the state crown in the final game; and

WHEREAS, Gate City led by one point 29-28 at the end of the half, and a strategic change to a matchup zone defense opened up the second half, slowing the play and providing scoring opportunities for the Lady Blue Devils; and

WHEREAS, Gate City's high scorer in the final game was junior Tuesdee Woods with 14  points, followed by senior Brittany Rogers with 13 points, and juniors Ashton Bishop, Haley Olde, and Heather Odle with 9 points each and Kaitlyn Musick with 2 points; and

WHEREAS, seniors Andrea Lalic and Kala Tipton and underclassmen Ashley Frasier, Samantha Homer, Nichole Howington, Stephanie Howington, Leshia Lane, and Tia Vermillion also made valuable contributions in a tremendous team effort in the championship games and throughout the season; and

WHEREAS, Gate City High School's triumph is a tribute to the leadership of Head Coach Hugh Godsey and his dedicated staff; the talent and hard work of the players; and the support of the students, faculty, and fans of Gate City High School; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate the Gate City High School girls' basketball team on an exceptional 2005-2006 basketball season; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Head Coach Hugh Godsey on behalf of the Lady Blue Devils as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for their championship performance.