IN RECOGNITION OF THE HAMPTON HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAM

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia: Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise, on behalf of Congressman Scott Rigell and myself, to call attention to a group of young students from Hampton, Virginia, who have distinguished themselves, their school, their community and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Hampton High School Crabbers basketball team had a remarkable season. On March 11, Coach Walter Brower and the Crabbers won their first Virginia state basketball championship since 1997, their fifth overall, by defeating Petersburg High School of Petersburg, 64 51, at the VCU Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia.

After not making it to last year's Eastern Region Tournament, the Crabbers came into this season as unlikely to win the state championship. However, as a result of tireless work on the part of both Hampton's players and coaches, the team was able to rise to a level that, given their performance last year, few would have thought achievable.

After three straight close games to begin the Virginia High School League tournament, including a near loss to the Bayside Marlins from Virginia Beach, the Crabbers never trailed their opponents in their final two games.

Although very accomplished in basketball, Hampton High's legacy of excellence is not limited to the field of athletics. Under the direction of Principal Myra Chambers, the Hampton faculty seeks to inspire all students to strive for excellence and achievement in the classroom, in their extracurricular activities and in their communities.

As a direct descendent of the Syms-Eaton School, the first free school in America established in the American colonies, Hampton High has continued to uphold a tradition rooted in excellent public education. Affectionately known as the ''little Pentagon,'' Hampton has been selected in the past as one of the best schools in the United States when it received the national Award of Academic Excellence from the Department of Education. Hampton's commendation for this award read in part: Hampton High has seen ''the glory of a maturing nation and the pain of depression and warfare. Yet through it all, the school has always respected and upheld the traditional values of educational achievement and pride in one's community..... .''

So, on this occasion, we would like to extend our enthusiastic congratulations to Coach Walter Brower, his coaching staff, the players on the Hampton High School Crabbers and to all Hampton High School students, families, friends and fans, for their continued dedication to excellence in winning the Group AAA Virginia High School League state basketball championship of 2012.