NEWARK, N.J. – Superintendent León released the following statement following the Malcolm X Shabazz High School Boys Basketball Team winning the NJSIAA Group 1 State Championship this afternoon, defeating Thrive Charter School, 51-48.
“On behalf of Newark Public Schools, I congratulate the outstanding student-athletes of the Malcolm X Shabazz High School Boys Basketball Team on winning the state championship. This remarkable achievement reflects the team’s exceptional talent on the court and their discipline, perseverance, and commitment to excellence,” said Superintendent León. “Our Shabazz Bulldogs have demonstrated what is possible when preparation meets determination. I also commend Head Coach Nassir Barrino, assistant coaches, school leadership, staff, families, and supporters whose dedication to these young men made this historic victory possible. The boys basketball team made their school community and the entire City of Newark immensely proud.”
Board of Education President Hasani K. Council also offered his congratulations.
“The members of the Newark Board of Education join me in celebrating the Malcolm X Shabazz High School Boys Basketball Team for capturing the state championship. Their success is the result of countless hours of hard work, teamwork, and belief in one another,” said Board President Council. “This championship is a proud moment for the Shabazz community and a powerful example of the excellence our students achieve both in the classroom and in athletics. We applaud these young men and their coaches for representing Newark Public Schools with pride, determination, and championship spirit.”
About Newark Public Schools
The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls over 41,000 students in 65 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Brubaker, Communications Director
Email: pbrubaker@nullnps.k12.nj.us
Phone: 973-803-6983