WHEREAS, the Altavista Combined School boys' basketball team played with heart and composure in a hard-fought win during the Virginia High School League Group 1A state championship game in March 2014; and

WHEREAS, competing against the Radford High School Bobcats, the Altavista Combined School Colonels defeated Radford 49 - 44; and

WHEREAS, with mere seconds left before the end of the first half, the Altavista Colonels made a three-point shot, which gave them a 19 - 18 lead; and

WHEREAS, presenting a highly skilled defensive approach, the Altavista Colonels were able to hold their opponent to just 37 percent shooting from the floor and 11 percent from the three-point range; and

WHEREAS, in a very close game that was tied in the third quarter, the Altavista Colonels made a critical layup, giving them a lead they never relinquished; and

WHEREAS, with 18 seconds left in the final quarter, the Altavista Colonels inbounded the ball with a mid-court pass that resulted in a three-point play, sealing the victory and giving the Colonels a back-to-back state championship; and

WHEREAS, each member of the Altavista Colonels—Kenavus Jones, Walker Allen, Juan Thornhill, Meche Maulbeck, Jacob McClure, Demetrius Johnson, Josh Walker, Darius Johnson, Nikko Tucker, Richard Hubbard, Eric Poindexter, Dylan Allen, Chandler Pribble, Nelson Dews, and Chase Short—significantly contributed to the win and outstanding season; and

WHEREAS, the victory is due to the talent and dedication of the players, the leadership of head coach, Mike Cartolaro, and the support of the Altavista Combined School community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Altavista Combined School boys' basketball team on winning the Virginia High School League Group 1A state championship; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Mike Cartolaro, head coach of the Altavista Combined School boys' basketball team, as an expression of the General Assembly's respect and congratulations for the team's successful season.