WHEREAS,  basketball is an American pastime that has been popular in Maine since it was invented and Maine high school and college basketball has been an institution and part of every Maine community for a century; and

WHEREAS,  Maine basketball and all of those who have contributed to the sport in this State have had a direct influence on both the evolution and the identity of numerous Maine communities; and

WHEREAS,  every Maine community has taken pride in the accomplishments of its high school basketball teams and players for decades and, moreover, these communities have honored and recognized the contribution of fans, players, cheerleaders, reporters, coaches, managers and trainers to the game of basketball and to the community itself; and

WHEREAS,  the State of Maine appreciates the court performances of its outstanding basketball players, as well as the leadership, direction and dedication of its basketball coaches; and

WHEREAS,  in order to remember the long history of basketball in Maine, it is time to organize and establish a Maine Basketball Hall of Fame to recognize Maine's outstanding basketball players and to also recognize the tradition of Maine basketball and the achievements of the sport's many participants, which have been a source of pride and positive influence for the citizens of Maine for many decades; now, therefore, be it