The Neptune Township Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse would like to extend a huge thank you to all who helped make the twelfth annual Cops vs. Kids basketball game on November 14, 2016 such a success! The prevention message was clear; the game was fun, and the Cops and Kids enjoyed some friendly competition.
It was a great event—from pre-event sponsorship to the last basket. The Cops kept up their winning streak with a 52-36 victory. Spectators attempted to shoot foul shots at half time, while wearing Fatal Vision Goggles, simulating what it’s like to be impaired by drugs or alcohol. Not many shots even came close!
The Kids’ team (coached by Michelle Moss & Lynn Johnson) included: Taylor Gardner, Darien Jones, Dwaine Jones, Chris Haas, Tyreece Washington, Bidemi Jaiyeola, Jawaan Crenshaw, Glenn Powell, and Myshaun Searight.
The Cops’ team (coached by Michael Allen & Mike Zarro) included: Marques Alston, Kaan Williams, Bryan Taylor, Robert Layton, Malcom Jenkins, Jeffrey Moore, Brad Dougherty, Lorenzo Pettway, and Christopher Monahan.
Special thanks also to Gianna Gioia for singing the National Anthem, to Mayor McMillan for his opening remarks, and to Mark Clark and Ramond Palmer for refereeing.
Thanks also to: the players; the coaches; scorer, announcer, and time keepers—Tony Richardson and Brianna Love; the Neptune High School NJROTC Color Guard—Brianna Sam, Aliyah Sonnier, Taylor Davis, and Adam Sherman; Volunteers: Michael Zarro, Jr, Rachel Zarro, Cathy Crelin; the Neptune Board of Education; and Neptune Police Officer Mike Zarro, who coordinated the Cops and secured sponsorships.
Thanks to all of our event sponsors, including: Neptune Township Police PBA #74, Neptune Twp FOP #19, Theo’s Demolition & Construction Clean-Up, Impact Auto Body, Automotive Transportation Services, Bruno’s Italian Deli, Robert Walzer and Global Sports Authority, MJ’s, Popeyes, Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonalds, Allied Fire & Safety, Midtown Urban Renaissance Corporation (MURC), Neptune High School, the Neptune Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and the Neptune Recreation Department. Funding for this event is also provided through the Governor’s Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse.
Thanks to everyone who supported the game, and in turn, helps us spread our prevention message to the community. Be sure to look for our next Cops vs. Kids fundraiser, as I heard more than one, “Wait till next time!”