Codey’s basketball team wins national championship

The high school basketball team coached by Former Gov. Dick Codey won a national championship over a North Carolina team 57-53.

“This was a thrilling victory for all of us,” said Codey, who is also a state senator. “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.”

The West Orange Knights won the Amateur Athletics Union Boys Basketball National Championships four years after losing in the finals to a Los Angeles team by four points.

Codey’s son, Chris Codey, assists in coaching the team.

“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,” Codey said. “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.”