By, Nolan Buser
February 21, 2023
TRENTON, NJ. – Thursday night saw the beginning of the Group 4 Central Jersey NJSIAA Tournament, when number one seed Trenton Central hosted sixteenth seed Sayreville at Tornado Ally. The final score, Trenton 118 Sayreville 47.
From the opening tip Trenton was in complete control, starting the game with an 11-point run.
Sayreville had few answers for the Tornado’s high-pressure defense, which led to multiple turnovers early in the game, and a grand total of 27 on the night.
Those steals led to points, mostly from both of Trenton’s 1,000-point scores, Antwan Bridgette and Davontay Hutson. Hutson led his team in scoring with 31-points, followed by Bridgette with 20.
“I know we are the one seed and they’re the 16th seed, but it was all about locking in today. Our practices have been hard, and we prepared for this game like it was a title game,” said Trenton head coach Darryl Young. “I teach my guys that these games are won between the lines, not in the papers or in the rankings.”
Sayreville entered the game with a 6-20 record on the year, and just one senior classman within their starting lineup. Much like Trenton’s team just four years ago, when much of their lineup was occupied by underclassman.
That cast of Freshman from four years prior are now seniors, and will look to continue their run toward a title in round two.
The Tornadoes will host eight seed West Windsor-Plainsboro South for round two play on Thursday February 23.
But no looking ahead for coach Young, as he will maintain his, “one game at a time,” approach heading into his teams next game.
“We have seven seniors on our team, if we lose on Thursday there is no tomorrow. When I ask them what tomorrow is, and they say practice, I know we are doing the right thing.”
