I love high school basketball — but not on Thursdays. Or Wednesdays. High school basketball contests should tap off on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, unless tournament games play. And that showdown between Thrive Charter and Trenton Central High School on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, should have been an afternoon game, say 2 p.m. matinee, instead of 7 p.m. nightcap. Anyway, it’s the most wonderful time of the year — tournament time. First, let’s talk basketball in current form. Lots of running, turnovers, three-point hoists. The trey? Great within the confines of an offense but no acceptance here for chucking, just throwing basketballs against backboards to see what sticks. When used efficiently and strategically, three-pointers can break down zone defenses and if successful, potentially can lead to impactful inside play for bigger players. Thrive Charter guard Tyler Hammond recently made ten long-range shots during a 89-36 win against Cinnaminson. (More on that big-man perspective in one minute). Let’s talk point guards. Former Ewing High School boys Coach Emil Wandishin (R.I.P.) shared my opinion that point guards play as extension to head coaches. Case in point, Kelly Williams’ stellar guard play guided the Blue Devils to the 1986 Group III state championship. He controlled tempo, played defense — none of the current crop that allows your man to blow by then chase — and provided cool under pressure leadership. By the way, Donald Meekins, a Williams backcourt mate, recently passed away. Forty years have passed since he and Ewing players hoisted the state trophy, plus, left us with amazing showdowns opposite Trenton High. *** An aforementioned note of big men produced an interesting conversation about local basketball. Colonial Valley Conference players rank as Lilliputian. “It’s probably something with Trenton Water Works water,” a friend joked. Colt Lumpris, a 6-8 junior, heads a big lineup at Lawrenceville Prep. Ten players list as 6-2 or higher. It’s the biggest team seen here this season although a tenacious Pennington School claimed a 57-54 win against the big guys last week. Can you name the last big player for a Mercer County high school squad? *** Notre Dame senior William Foley returned to the Irish lineup after missing 12 games with a wrist injury. The talented guard scored 17 points in limited minutes during a 72-43 home loss opposite East Brunswick (18-5). Senior Ethan Lin scored 21 points to lead Group IV powerhouse Montgomery (19-3) to a 53-38 victory over rival Hillsborough (15-6) on Saturday. Substitute junior guard Xavier Harrigan sparked the Cougars win with two critical steals and a three-point jumper while junior guard Connor Benedict added two important treys. Trenton High (15-6) dropped to sixth place behind Montgomery, East Brunswick, Marlboro (15-4), Hillsborough, and Jackson Twp. (15-4) in NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV rankings. Either team could win on any given Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday. *** The Trenton Central High School boys varsity scoring list shows constant fluctuation as seniors Juan Sanchez and JayDon English-Fulton complete their careers as Tornadoes. Sanchez just moved past Lew Hill (Class of 1971) who had a memorable career at the University of Pittsburgh. Worthy moved to the top of the Tornadoes list when Trenton High honored the 652 points he scored as a sophomore member of the Hun varsity squad. Trenton High career points leader: Steve Worthy 1335; Rasheed Wallace 1314; Davontay Hutson 1302; Shaquan Worthy 1137; Juan Sanchez 1093;Lew Hill 1090; JayDon English-Fulton 1072; Antwan Bridgett 1071; George Lee 1036; Randy Corker 1011 *** A couple of fast breaks. Please turn down the volume on music at high school games. And, play the National Anthem prior to announcing starting lineups. L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at [email protected]. ...read more read less