[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H3678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING BILL POPE

  (Mr. Cline of Virginia was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary 
coach, mentor, and pillar of the Roanoke community, Bill Pope, upon his 
retirement from Northside High School.
  For more than four decades as head coach and an incredible 46 years 
in total, Coach Pope has shaped generations of young men both on and 
off the basketball court. Under his leadership, the Northside Vikings 
achieved 680 wins, one of the highest totals in Virginia High School 
League history.
  His teams captured 17 district championships, 8 regional titles, and 
3 State championships, including remarkable recent titles in 2019, 
2023, and 2024. These achievements speak not only to his excellence as 
a coach but to his consistency, discipline, and enduring commitment to 
his players.
  In recognition of his lasting impact, the school fittingly named its 
gymnasium in his honor, a testament to the legacy he has built and the 
lives he has touched.
  As he steps away from the game, we thank Coach Pope for his service, 
his leadership, and his unwavering dedication to his community. May his 
legacy continue to inspire future generations of student-athletes.


            Recognizing Clarke County Girls' Basketball Team

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary 
group of young women from Clarke County, whose teamwork and 
determination led them to victory in the Virginia High School League 
Class 2 State championship.
  The Clarke County girls' basketball team defeated Union 67-55 at 
VCU's Siegel Center and earned their second State title in four seasons 
and the third in program history.
  This 27-2 team was powered by the talent and unity of all of their 
players. Five players earned All-Bull Run District honors; and standout 
senior Alainah McKavish, the Class 2 Player of the Year, capped her 
career with over 2,200 points and a powerful performance in the title 
game. Teammates Anna Taylor, Paige McKavish, Savannah McCaw, Kendall 
Harman, Haley Foltz, Eryn Demko, Emmerson Kennedy, and Paige Stemberger 
also rose to the challenge.
  Coach Shadd McCaw guided the team to a nearly flawless season, which 
earned him the Class 2 Coach of the Year honors from the VHSL and 
Basketball Coaches Association of Virginia.
  Please join me in congratulating the Clarke County Eagles on their 
hard work, resilience, and success.


             Recognizing John Handley Boys' Basketball Team

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the John Handley 
High School boys' basketball team on capturing the program's first 
State championship.
  Located in the city of Winchester and led by Head Coach Zach Harrell-
Zook, along with Assistant Coaches Jason Combs, Trey Brisco, Donald 
Finley, Taralle Hayden, and Michael Brown, Hanley defeated Hampton in 
the Virginia High School League Class 4 championship game.
  The team earned not only the program's first State title but also the 
school's 50th State championship overall.
  Christian Dinges led the way and was recognized as the Class 4 State 
Player of the Year, with full support from teammates: Isaiah Baxter, 
Will Braun-Duin, Jaevon Brisco, Kyren Oglesby, Amari Brown, Silas 
Miller, Joaquin Pearce-Gonzales, Timothy Campbell, Asher Mattison, 
Aaron DeChristopher, Keon Ulmer, and ZeQuon Williams.
  Coach Harrell-Zook was also recognized as the Class 4 State Coach of 
the Year.
  I proudly commend this team for not only winning a State title but 
for making history in Handley's 103-year legacy.
  I congratulate the Judges.

                          ____________________