Meet the Watchung Hills Valerie Fund Warriors

When the Harlem Wizards come to for the May 18 , they'll face a formidable team comprised of not just the schools' sports elite, but also some...helpful administrators?

The make-up the fabled Watchung Hills Valerie Fund Warriors had not been previously announced, likely due to a strategy aimed at keeping the Wizards from formulating a game plan.

But with the announcement, the Wizards will have figure out how to deal with the Warriors deep bench that includes WHRHS Vice-principal Patricia Toubin, math teacher Laura Salton, English teacher Mary Ellen Phelan and Spanish teachers Juan Cruz and Daniel Root—potential scoring threats thanks to the Wizards' likely complete unfamiliarity with their style of play.

Also promising to keep the professional team off guard will be the Warriors' newest draft picks, Andy Marion, president of Watchung Hills Pop Warner, and Township Committeeman George Lazo.

These supporting players will be the key to the Warriors' strength on the court, as the team's starters—Dr. Thomas DiGianci, WMS Principal Robert Comba, WMS Dean of Students Scott Cook, WMS E2 Teacher Susan Cooper and WMS Nurse Lisa Lontai—rotate during the game.

And in case the Warriors need to call on special skills to match up against the Wizards, they can call on coaches Kristen D’Alessandro (WMS Math Teacher and WHRHS Field Hockey Coach), Christopher Gibson (WHRHS engineering teacher and Tennis Coach), Sean Mealey (WMS Gym teacher and WHRHS Golf Coach), Justin Salton (WHRHS Gym teacher and Basketball Coach) and Sandy Whelan (WHRHS Women’s Basketball Coach).

Should the Warriors find themsleves in a hole, they can call on their secret weapons: collegiate Hall of Famers Patty Edelman and Jennifer Lapioli.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. May 17 at Watchung Hills Regional. Tickets to the event are $15, and can be purchased on the Wizards' website ($18 at the door).  

The event is part of the fundraising in May for Warren Township’s Valerie Fund Pride Month. All proceeds will go to The Valerie Fund as part of Warren Township’s pledge of raising $100,000 during Valerie Fund Pride Month. Questions? Contact John Draikiwicz at jdraikiwicz@gmail.com.