Codey Praises West Orange Knights As National Champions

14+Under Boys Basketball Team Captures Title

New Jersey – Governor (and head coach) Richard Codey praised the West Orange 14+under basketball team for winning the AAU Boys Basketball National Championships this weekend, defeating a North Carolina team 57 – 53 in a highly competitive contest at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. He was assisted by his son, Chris Codey.

“This was a thrilling victory for all of us,” said Senator Codey, who coaches the 11-player team. “I’m so proud of this team for their competitive determination and their teamwork. They played like champions and they acted like champions, with the character and talent that allowed them to defeat some of the best teams in the country.”

All but one of the team’s players are from West Orange, Governor Codey noted. The North Carolina team – like many others in the national tournament – is comprised of players from throughout its home state. Four years ago, the West Orange team made it to the finals where they were defeated The West Orange Knights team made it to the finals four years ago where they were defeated by four points in the championship contest against Los Angeles.

“I’ve been coaching for a good number of years and I continue to get satisfaction and joy from the boys for their efforts both on and off the court,” said Governor Codey. “I’m really happy for them and I know that my pride in their accomplishments is shared by their families, friends, the West Orange community and the state of New Jersey.”

Founded in 1888, the AAU is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer, multi-sport event organizations in the world, dedicated to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs. It has more than 700,000 members and more than 40 sports programs across the nation.

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