The Lenape High girls basketball team is shown with township council at the latter’s April meeting. after receiving a proclamation commending the team’s season, which culminated in a Group 4 State Championship win on March 14.
Township council honored the Lenape High School girls’ basketball team and recognized retiring school Superintendent Dr. George Rafferty at its April meeting.
The team won beat Westfield by a score of 52-42 on March 14, securing its second Group 4 State Championship in three years. It was an impressive season, as well, one that saw Lenape finish with just four losses, then go on a remarkable 13-game winning streak from Feb. 8 through a championship that solidified its status among New Jersey’s top high-school programs.
Council congratulated each player: Morgan Croly (junior), Shelby Croly (junior), Sloane Fedoruk (freshman), El-Anita Joe-Samuel (junior), Y’Mani Nazario (freshman), Ryleigh Nichols (senior), Gioia Passariello (junior), Brooke Ross (sophomore), Taylor Stryjewski (freshman), Casey Waldorf (sophomore) and Olivia Watkins (senior).
Joe-Samuel led the team in points, rebounds and blocks. Watkins was the second-highest scorer and had the most steals and assists. Also cited were team managers Alex Meunier, Maria Katsikis and Ben Watkins, along with coaches Sean McAneny, Eric Einbinder, Kristin Bucci and Stacy Williams.
Two council proclamations recognized Easter and Passover, and celebrated the diversity of the township community.
During meeting remarks, Mayor Nikitas Moustakas cited Rafferty for his work as superintendent and reminded residents that the district is looking for a successor.
” … George Rafferty, gave (notice) of his retirement not too long ago,” the mayor noted. “He was a great superintendent. He worked with council well and with (township manager Meredith Riculfy). So I know the school board is now in a very big process of finding a new superintendent.
“They have had a lot of applicants, and that is in (the board’s) hands, but I wish them all the best, because hopefully it will find someone great for this wonderful town of ours.”
