New Providence Council Recognizes Girls Basketball Team and New Jersey Local Government Week

By Marianne Ivers

Published April 9, 2025 at 9:15 PM

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – Mayor Al Morgan and the Borough Council celebrated the New
Providence High School Girls Basketball team for another successful season at the Tuesday,
April 8 meeting. The council also recognized the week of April 6-12 as New Jersey Local
Government Week. Morgan read proclamations for both recognitions.

The New Providence Girls Basketball won the NJSIAA Group 1 State Championship by holding
off a late charge by Glen Ridge at Rutgers University on March 15. The final score was 42-36 in
New Providence’s favor. This is the second state championship in three years for New
Providence, which beat Secaucus in the 2023 Group 2 final before being reclassified as a Group 1 school this year. The team also won its third Union County Tournament in four seasons over a Westfield team that would go on to win a North 2, Group 4 sectional championship. “The Pioneers reached the rarified air of 30 wins when they took home the state championship trophy. This is the best season for the New Providence girls’ basketball team winwise, and it matches 2023 when they won the conference, county and state championships,” Morgan read.

Morgan touted the team’s accomplishment, especially, as it shows the strength of a small
school district. He also congratulated Coach Cap Pazdera and thanked parents for their support of the team.

The week of April 6-12 is designated NJ Local Government Week, during which the borough
administration has organized special events. All events are listed on the borough’s website.
Morgan and council members encouraged residents to participate in them.

Morgan also read a proclamation recognizing local government: “Local government is the
government closest to most citizens, and the one with the most direct daily impact upon its
residents. Local government provides services and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents, making their municipality their home. Local government is administered for and by its citizens, and is dependent upon public commitment to and understanding of its many
responsibilities. Local government officials and employees share the responsibility to pass along the understanding of public services and their benefits. NJ Local Government Week offers an important opportunity for elected officials and local government staff to spread the word to all citizens of New Jersey that they can shape and influence this branch of government.”