Fear — that’s a personal opinion why the Colonial Valley Conference Tournament plays at West Windsor Plainsboro High School North. Saturday’s showdown between Trenton Central High School and Notre Dame High identified as a sad reunion, the worst kind of anniversary. On February 16, 2023, the I rish and Tornadoes boys Mercer County Tournament championship contest inside Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton ended just as a young Black man was killed in the arena’s concourse. Khalil Stanton, 23, died after being stabbed multiple times. Two brothers were charged with first-degree murder. Shockwaves rumbled throughout Mercer County and authorities eventually moved the event. Interestingly, one week after the Cure Insurance Arena homicide, West Windsor Plainsboro High School South visited Trenton High for a NJSIAA Group IV semifinal game. The Pirates arrived with about 30 fans, minuscule compared to a boisterous following, and a police escort while Trenton officials added police and extra security. A Caucasian female friend offered this insight about the low fan count. “Yes, people are afraid, especially after what happened at the (CURE Insurance) Arena last week,” the West Windsor educator confided. “West Windsor fans not showing up is not about reason. Many know Trenton High School has not had a bad incident for some time. It’s just people hear the word Trenton and think the worst.” (Love when people don’t sugarcoat crap). Below is the column published by The Trentonian following the February 2023 incident. Where are we three years later? Stop the stigma. Trenton Central High School holds no responsibility for the stabbing death of Khalil Glanton. The murder inside Cure Insurance Arena on Thursday after the Tornadoes beat Notre Dame High in an MCT boys basketball finale, should not negatively impact Trenton High in NJSIAA action. While Trenton High (25-1) should increase security and implement safety measures, such upgrades should occur throughout New Jersey, especially since violence and the potential for it, has and can happen in any high school venue. During a press conference Friday, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said Trenton awaits  “direction from the NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association) on whether” Trenton, a top seed in Central Jersey Group IV play, will host a first-round game against No. 16 Sayreville, “or have the game moved to a different site.” Apparently, Mayor Gusciora misspoke or passed incorrect information. Sources said Trenton Athletic Director Sharon Grady contacted NJSIAA officials on Friday. Grady explained what had occurred and state officials said Trenton could proceed. Thank goodness because the stabbing did not occur at Trenton Central High School and did not include any involvement by players. Even the fact that Trenton High ranks as the lone Mercer County high school that requires metal detector passage before entering high school basketball games sounds preposterous as these safety precautions do not extend to other sports and school activities. If safety exists as the main objective then set up metal detectors for the school play, football games and tennis matches. Not sure when basketball became the Devil’s playground and produced these absurd conditions of constraint. If we unravel this bias then all Mercer County schools should install metal detectors when basketball teams visit from Trenton High. Regarding school safety in a post-COVID-19 world, metal detectors and book bag searches would be part of the daily schedule. Plus, counseling would be available for all students, faculty and other employees. Trenton Coach Daryll “Pup” Young had the answer regarding the last time a significant incident occurred at a Trenton High boys basketball game. “1989,” Young answered immediately while waiting for tip-off of the game against Notre Dame. “Man, that takes me back”, he said. His brother Anthony “Face” Young, an agile baseline and inside player starred on that Tornadoes squad that started Sam Barber, Steve Worthy, Derrick Ashburn, Ron Davis and Young. On Feb. 16 of that year, an undefeated Trenton squad (20-0) coached by Tom Smith, hosted nationally ranked Chester High (Pa.) (21-1) in a showdown. The City of Trenton buzzed all week and on Thursday night every inch of seating showed basketball fans up to the rafters. The scoreboard lighted a 12-12 score with 3:12 remaining in the first quarter when someone yelled “gun”. People poured out of the stands onto the court. Police arrived with canines and this monumental basketball game ended. No gun found and no game. No recollection of any significant violent or criminal acts on Trenton Central High School soil during a sporting event in the past 34 years ranks as impressive. The Trenton High boys basketball team has displayed exemplary character during an entire season. Their fans have acted accordingly during a tremendously successful season, including a highly competitive game against cross-county rival Ewing High. The murder at Cure Insurance Arena rates as a horrific event. Condolences extend to all family members, friends and associates of Khalil Glanton. L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at [email protected]. ...read more read less