Plainsboro, NJ – Trenton High School’s boys basketball team emphatically ended Notre Dame’s surprising run through the Colonial Valley Conference Tournament on Saturday night, defeating the Irish 84-48 at West Windsor-Plainsboro North High School. The victory secured the CVC Tournament title for Trenton and showcased a dominant performance fueled by relentless speed and stifling defense. The win marks a significant achievement for the Tornadoes, extending their winning streak to three games and setting the stage for the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group 4 Tournament.
Notre Dame, the 12th seed, had captivated audiences with a Cinderella story, upsetting higher-seeded opponents like Hopewell Valley and Lawrence to reach the championship game. For a quarter, they threatened to continue their improbable journey, keeping the score close early on. However, Trenton responded with a display of offensive firepower and defensive intensity that proved too much for the Irish to overcome. The decisive victory underscores Trenton’s position as a force in New Jersey high school basketball and highlights their potential for a deep playoff run.
The turning point came in the second quarter, where Trenton unleashed a 30-5 scoring run, effectively dismantling Notre Dame’s hopes. This surge was built on a combination of fast breaks, precise passing and aggressive drives to the basket. Trenton coach Darrel Young emphasized the importance of the defensive adjustment that sparked the turnaround. “The first quarter we gave up 18 points,” Young said. “We started good, but they got back into it. We were blitzing Foley and they got some three pointers that were wide open off our rotation, which was bad. I challenged them to get back on that defense, play defense first.”
Trenton’s Second-Quarter Surge Seals the Victory
The momentum shifted dramatically at the start of the second quarter. Jharris Genao-Ramos opened the period with a quick three-pointer, immediately signaling Trenton’s intent. Aivaye Ingram followed with a layup and a subsequent foul call resulting in a three-point play, further extending the lead. While Will Foley managed a three-pointer for Notre Dame, Trenton’s Juan Sanchez responded with back-to-back three-pointers of his own, pushing the Tornadoes’ advantage to double digits. Sanchez and Ingram continued to dominate, combining for 14 of the remaining 18 points in the half, while Genao-Ramos and Kyle Graffie added four more. By halftime, Trenton held a commanding 50-23 lead.
Juan Sanchez Leads Trenton with Dominating Performance
Juan Sanchez, a 1,000-plus career point scorer for Trenton, delivered a standout performance, scoring a game-high 32 points, including 23 in the first half. His scoring output alone matched the entire Notre Dame team’s production over the first two quarters. Coach Young praised Sanchez’s ability to take over the game when focused. “When that little kid’s mind is made up, man,” Young said, “He’s 5-6, 5-7, pound for pound I think he’s the best player in the state. When he’s got his mind set and he’s focused, he’s hard to stop.” Young also highlighted Sanchez’s leadership alongside Ingram, noting their transformation of the program from a 6-17 record two years ago.
Sanchez himself attributed the victory to a team effort and Trenton’s ability to dictate the pace of play. “Everything felt good,” Sanchez said. “I felt like nobody could stand in front of me tonight. When you have that kind of confidence it goes a long way. We have a good understanding that nobody likes to play our style. We make them play our style and we reach out victorious.”
Notre Dame’s Tournament Run Ends, Despite Grit
Despite the loss, Notre Dame coach Tim Stevens expressed pride in his team’s performance throughout the tournament. “Not only do they have speed, but size and length,” Stevens said of Trenton. “That caught up to us. They rushed us all night. We said going into it, we wanted to play at our pace and try to slow the game down as much as possible, knowing the great defensive team that Trenton is. We weren’t able to get to our pace. They were able to get to their pace. They took advantage of the size and speed and made us pay.” He acknowledged the team’s resilience, stating, “It was a great run. I just told the guys, ‘There’s 13 other teams in our league that would have loved to have been on that court tonight. We were there, and we earned the right to be there. Unfortunately, we didn’t execute the way we wanted to.”
Lucas Chuderewicz led Notre Dame in the first quarter with 12 points, showcasing his three-point shooting ability, while Will Foley contributed inside. However, Trenton’s defensive adjustments limited their scoring opportunities in the subsequent quarters. The Irish finished the season with a 7-21 record, but their tournament run demonstrated their competitive spirit and ability to challenge higher-ranked teams.
Looking Ahead: Trenton Prepares for State Tournament
Trenton (20-7) will now turn its attention to the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group 4 Tournament, where they will host 11th-seeded Hunterdon Central on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. This upcoming game presents an opportunity for the Tornadoes to continue their momentum and make a deep run in the state tournament. The team’s combination of offensive firepower, led by Sanchez and Ingram, and improved defensive play positions them as a strong contender.
The CVC Tournament final showcased Trenton’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges, solidifying their status as a premier boys basketball program in New Jersey. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Tornadoes perform in the state tournament. Share your thoughts on Trenton’s victory and their prospects for the state tournament in the comments below.
