Could these Tornadoes be the ones to end the drought?
Trenton High boys basketball Coach Darryl “Pup” Young wanted no part of the question with a shelf life of six decades.
Could this be the season the Tornadoes end a 62-year drought of not winning a NJSIAA state basketball championship, put away the ghosts of 1961 when Coach Fred Price guided Trenton to a 24-0 mark with a terrific tandem of Tal Brody and George Lee?
Young dismissed the interrogation with the same tenacity and quickness his nasty squad showed in dismantling St. Thomas Aquinas, 81-70.
“Let’s just take this one game at a time,” advised Young, although those late nights the Tornadoes leader admitted to spent reading newspapers, particularly sports articles, must precede dreams of holding the city’s most desired brass ring.
Seniors Davontay Hutson (25 points, 10 rebounds, Chris (Mister) Wilson (25 points, 14 rebounds) and Antwan Bridgett (11 points,10 assists) sparked the Tornadoes while junior Kabrien Goss added 14 points, six assists, plus a huge jump shot late. The Trojans dropped a second consecutive game although the former Trenton Catholic Prep Academy standout Michael “Deuce” Jones scored a game-high 29 and grabbed 11 rebounds.
Jones, a junior, lived at the line going 16-for-16, plus, produced a game-line of 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Ranked No. 9 in a MaxPreps poll, St. Thomas Aquinas (20-3) had no answers for No. 17 Trenton High (22—1).
The Tornadoes proved unstoppable even when the Trojans reduced a fourth quarter, 62-44, deficit to just three points, 70-67. Trenton High guard Calvin Moore added a layup at 1:10 for a 72-67 lead before a Jones turnover. Goss, a 5-8 lightning quick guard and transfer from Solebury, Pa, playing in his 11th game, ended Trojans’ hopes with an angled, left-side 3-point jumper that netted all nylon.
Bridgett made four free throws and Moore contributed two more as Trenton eased to victory. Young emphasized that point as his post-game interview included a chip on his shoulder.
“They have all these D-1 players and we came into their place and were on them from the start. We got up (11-2) early and I think that surprised them. Plus, our guys knew from the start that we could play with them,” Young said.
“If they had broken out early against us, in this gym and hostile environment, I’m not sure how we would have responded. We got away early, played great defense and controlled the tempo.”
With victory assured, the city’s most famous sports chant resounded from hundreds of Trenton fans who packed their portion of St. Thomas Aquinas’ court — You want The High, You Got The High.
Trenton has endured such significant, hardcore hardcourt heartbreak that produced another slogan.
“I think this could be the year,” Kevin, an ardent Trenton High fan, hoped.
Trenton begins Mercer County Tournament play as a top-seed on Saturday, and will receive a certain No.1 position in Central Group IV play. On the road or home, these Tornadoes look like a tough out no matter place or opponent.