University High School’s Lady Phoenix Basketball program won its third consecutive Group I state title after last year’s shortened Covid season that hosted no NJSIAA state championship. It is the sixth overall title for University, which also won titles in 2018 and 2019. Under the guidance of Head Coach Amiri Baraka Jr. and the supportive coaching staff (Bernard Chase, Nadirah McKenith - University HS, ‘09, Garrett Hunt, Janna Miller and Nicole Keitt), the Lady Phoenix Basketball Team advanced to the NJSIAA’s final Tournament of Champions.

After a rocky start to the season, alternating between wins and losses through the first six games, the young University team progressed and developed. The coaching staff continued to work diligently and consistently to rebuild the program, which graduated eight seniors last year. The team’s success is attributed to the hard work and dedication of the staff and the team. The Lady Phoenix Basketball Team finished the 2021-2022 season as NBOE Holiday Champions, Runners-up for Essex County Championship, NJSIAA North II Group I Sectional Champions and NJSIAA Group I Champions.