Warren Youth Hoops Pioneer to Have Court in His Honor

When Warren Township moved to spin off its youth recreation programs into self-supporting organizations, the recreation commission searched for key people to assure the success of the programs.

And according to former Recreation Commisison member George Lazo, placing Scott Anderson at the forefront of the basketball programs in 2004 was key to its growth and success.

"We knew from Pop Warner the success of the league would depend on its leader," said Lazon, who's now on the Township Committee. "We wanted someone with integrity, someone who wouldn't tolerate nepotism and was honest.

Andersen was the commission's "overwhelming first choice."

Despite his busy work schedule as an executive director at Trexin Consulting, Andersen created a board and leadership structure that assured the success of the Warren Youth Basketball Association, as well as serving as a coach.

"Scott was competitive, but he always kept a level head," Lazo, who decribed Andersen as a "real stand-up guy," added. "It was always about the kids."

Another newcomer to the township's recreational sports scene at the time, Mick Marion, said he noticed Andersen's "unique ability to get people involved and make it pleasurable."

"He was the type of guy who would do anything for anybody—especially the kids on rec," Marion said.

Marion said he noticed another quality about Andersen whenever he'd see him at Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church or township meetings: "He always had a smile on his face."

"He just was a solid guy with his heart and mind in the right place," Marion added.

Andersen died suddenly Sept. 4, 2010, from a heart attack at the age of 50, leaving three children, and his wife, Susan. 

The township will dedicate the newly-refurbished basketball courts at the municipal complex in Andersen's honor in a ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday. The public is invited to the attend the ceremony, which will include remarks from Mayor Carolann Garafola, introduction of his family, comments by Marion, Lazo and WYBA Acting President Pierre LeDrappier.

The cermemony will conclude with Greg Riley, Barry Argiro, and Kyle and Kaitlin Andersen taking the first foul shots on the rededicated courts.