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Essex County Commissioner Pat Seeball honors West Orange basketball stars
Summary
At a special presentation in the Essex County Board chambers, Commissioner Pat Seeball presented commendations to West Orange High School student-athlete Anaya Kareem and the West Orange Mountaineers girls basketball team for Kareem's individual milestones and the team's 2025 tournament championships.
Commissioner Pat Seeball presented commendations Monday in the Essex County Board of Commissioners chambers recognizing West Orange High School student-athlete Anaya Kareem and the West Orange Mountaineers girls basketball team for milestone achievements during the 2025 season.
Seeball, who said she taught at West Orange High School for 30 years, described Kareem's rise from a freshman who "ended her freshman season with 0 points" to a player who this year reached both 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds. Seeball noted Kareem was a McDonald's All American 2025 East nominee and drew 11 scholarship offers from colleges including Northeastern, Elon, Siena and Columbia. "She has a fantastic background," Seeball said as she presented the board commendation.
Anaya Kareem, addressing the room, thanked coaches, teammates and the community. "I was not prepared to say anything here ... I really just appreciate the community and the love and the family that I've experienced here," she said, urging underclassmen to work for the roles they will inherit.
Coach Annice Williams and members of the Mountaineers joined Kareem at the podium. Seeball and presenters highlighted the team's recent titles: the 2025 Essex County Tournament Championship, a 43-41 win over Montclair Immaculate, and the 2025 NJSIAA state sectional championship, a 61-39 victory over Morristown in Section 1 Group 4. Seeball said 2025 marked the first time the school reached the NJSIAA Group 4 championships.
Coach Williams thanked parents and the coaching staff for their support and preparation. "We have made history, and I'm extremely proud of all of our accomplishments," she said, acknowledging the team fell short in a close later match but calling the season a success and urging those returning to pursue a repeat.
Anaya's mother, Ronice, also spoke briefly to thank other parents and recall the encouragement that helped her daughter persist through early struggles in the sport. The commissioners presented individual commendations and invited players and guests to remain in the chambers for group photos.
The presentation concluded and the board announced its conference meeting would begin at 05:00.
