A “Worthy” selection for one of Trenton High’s best

Steve Worthy made his first appearance in decades inside a refurbished gymnasium at Trenton Central High School and recalled one intangible — “The fans, that’s what I remember most and that’s what I miss the most,” Worthy said.

The former Tornadoes star who left lasting memories as a player for the 1989-90 squad that had Elizabeth High and its Goliath 7-1 center Luther Wright on the ropes until very late in that memorable NJSIAA Central Jersey

Group IV showdown — stood closer to an elusive state championship than any Trenton team since the last crown in 1961 — still holds a torch for the ravenous fans who yearn for a state title.

If Worthy, 52, misses fans then he also remembers criticisms launched by knowledgeable watchers, most still getting acclimated to new surroundings since state officials demolished the old Tornado Alley and constructed a $155 million new high school, including a 2,000-seat gymnasium.

Worthy said he had enough support from teachers and others who looked out for him.

“Had a list of people, kind of like extra mothers and fathers that that offered me guidance. I have lots of good memories from being here,” Worthy explained. Still, whatever early ties and fondness could not prevent the 6-4 Worthy from bolting to the Hun School, a private school in Princeton following his freshman season at Trenton High.

That exodus caused a separation of support from many Trenton High faithful who considered Worthy a fan favorite as both a quarterback, hardcourt swingman and track athlete. Worthy stayed at Hun School until midway through his junior year. The prodigal son returned to play 11 games as a Tornado. He scored 208 points, added 475 during his senior year and completed high school with 1292 points.

Worthy played junior college basketball for Vincennes University (IN) averaging 18.3 points and 22.3, in respective seasons. He graduated a junior college all-American. Similar success followed at Rutgers (1,095 points) where the power player posted seasons of 18.3 and 18.8 points during his junior and senior seasons. A 16year professional international career followed as Worthy toured the world.

“Had the good fortune to play in a lot of places, Portugal, Brazil, Honduras. Actually, in Brazil I played for a team owned by Pele. Basketball offered a lot of opportunities,” Worthy, married with a 24-year-old son and daughter, 13, said. He resides in Burlington County and owns a Herr’s Potato Chips business.

Told about a poll that circulated through Tornado Alley regarding the top Trenton High players of all time, Worthy needed a minute to respond diplomatically.

“I’ve heard about George Lee,” Worthy admitted. No recollection of Lee’s mate Tal Brody who helped guide Trenton to the 24-0 mark and last Group IV state title. Randy Corker and Nate Armstrong filled out most cards. The fifth spot remains a hotly debated topic.

“Man, I don’t know all the history of Trenton basketball but you look at that 1989 (27-1) team. We had people paying $70 and $80 to see some of our games. We were good.”

And Worthy? Perhaps fifth but no worse than eighth in Tornadoes’ boys basketball lineage.