[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E393-E394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE HOPKINTON BASKETBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2001

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the community of 
Hopkinton, Massachusetts in celebrating the accomplishments and 
performance of the Hopkinton High School Girl's Varsity Basketball 
Team. Their banner season came to a remarkable conclusion on March 13, 
2001 at the Fleet Center in Boston where they captured the 2000-2001 
Massachusetts Division IV State Championship.
  There are many stories of note surrounding this group of remarkable 
athletes. Of the 15 members of the team, 12 are underclassmen. Such an 
accomplishment for a team of relatively young women is certainly 
impressive. Another story is the inspirational play of sophomore 
forward Meg Davis, who overcame a painful back injury to play in the 
tournament. In the first half, while the Hillers were trailing the 
Manchester Hornets, Davis and junior guard Mari Levine, who finished 
with a team-high 20 points, sparked a critical run, ultimately leading 
their team to a convincing 61-39 victory.
  Teamwork was the key to the Hillers' successful season. Led on the 
court by senior co-captains Connie Chace and Jen Sanborn, every player 
added to the Hillers' fairy tale season: senior Kelley Connelly, 
juniors Allison Azar and Shawna McCabe, sophomores Katie Baldiga, 
Taylor Chance, Julia Weaver, Lindsey

[[Page E394]]

Dragin, and freshmen Lauren Aulds, Erika Steele, Callie Nealon and 
Jackie Pappas. And of course, special recognition must be extended to 
Coach Dick Bliss for his inspirational leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous pride that I recognize the 
exceptional student-athletes of the Hopkinton High School Girl's 
Varsity Basketball team for an unforgettable season. I congratulate 
them on their accomplishment and wish them the best of luck in years to 
come.

                          ____________________