March 7, 2018

PHS Boys’ Hockey Falls in Public B Semis As Senior Garlock Relishes 2nd Cinderella Run

NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Max Garlock goes after the puck last Wednesday evening as 11th-seeded PHS battled second-seeded Northern Highlands in the state Public B semifinals at the Mennen Sports Arena. Senior defenseman and team captain Garlock contributed an assist in a losing cause as the Little Tigers fell 6-1. The defeat left PHS with a final record of 18-9-2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming into the state Public B tournament, the Princeton High boys’ hockey team didn’t look destined to make a deep run in the competition.

PHS was seeded 11th and entered the state tourney having suffered a disappointing 9-4 defeat to Hun in the final of the Mercer County Tournament. more

Achieving the Ultimate Goal of Junior Campaign, Bobchin Finishes 8th at State Wrestling Tourney

ALEC THE GREAT: Princeton High wrestler Alec Bobchin, top, battles Monroe’s Andrew Lombard at 138 pounds in the semifinals of the Region V championships last month. Over the weekend, junior star Bobchin took eighth at 138 in the NJSIAA Wrestling Championships at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall. It marked the first time a PHS wrestler had made the podium at the event since Ian Reddy took fourth in 1993. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Alec Bobchin knew exactly what he wanted to accomplish this winter in his junior campaign with the Princeton High wrestling team.

“My goals were definitely to win districts again,” said Bobchin. “I really wanted to win region and the main goal and what I have really been training to do is to place top 8 in the states.” more

Sparked by Devine’s Clutch Shooting, PHS Girls’ Hoops Gets State Tourney Win

DEVINE INTERVENTION: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Erin Devine looks for an opening in a game this winter. Junior forward Devine scored a game-high 14 points as 12th-seeded PHS upset fifth-seeded South Brunswick 34-18 in the opening round of the Central Jersey Group 4 sectional on February 27 to earn the program’s first win in the state tourney since the mid-1990s. Two days later, Devine tallied 12 points in a losing cause as PHS fell 60-41 at fourth-seeded Marlboro in the sectional quarterfinals. The defeat left the Little Tigers with a final record of 14-14. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Playing at South Brunswick in in the opening round of the state tournament last year, the Princeton High girls’ basketball team took its lumps in falling 56-25.

Last week, PHS got a rematch with the Vikings as the teams were matched up in the opening round of this year’s Central Jersey Group 4 sectional. more

February 28, 2018

With Core of Young Stars Gaining Experience, Future Appears Bright for PDS Boys’ Hoops

HEART OF A CHAMPION: Princeton Day School boys’ basketball player Jaylin Champion looks for an opening in recent action. Sophomore guard Champion fought through injury to make an impact for PDS down the stretch. The Panthers ended the winter with a 12-13 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Displaying its offensive prowess, the Princeton Day School boys’ basketball team ended its season on a high note by defeating Robbinsville 81-70 in a Mercer County Tournament consolation game.

“It was good to see the guys not just get a win, but to see them play well,” said PDS first-year head coach Kerry Foderingham, reflecting on the February 20 contest. “Everyone contributed; we scored the ball well, we shot the ball well.” more

PU Women’s Hockey Puts a Scare Into Cornell Before Falling in ECACH Quarterfinal Series

MAC ATTACK: Princeton University women’s hockey player Annie MacDonald, right, battles a foe in a game this season. Last weekend, freshman forward MacDonald starred as sixth-seeded Princeton played at third-seeded and No. 5 Cornell in a best-of-three ECAC Hockey quarterfinal series. MacDonald had an assist in a 2-1 loss in Game 1 on Friday and then scored the game-winning goal in Game 2 as Princeton rallied for a 5-4 victory in overtime. A shorthanded Tiger squad fell 4-0 to the Big Red in the decisive third game to end the winter at 14-14-4 overall. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With her Princeton University women’s hockey team having gone 7-2 down the homestretch of the regular season, Cara Morey believed the Tigers would strike fear into anyone they faced in the ECAC Hockey playoffs.

When Princeton finished sixth in the league standings to earn a shot at third-seeded and No. 5 Cornell in a best-of-three ECAC Hockey quarterfinal series, Morey liked the matchup. more

Doomed by Sloppy Play at Both Ends, PU Women’s Lax Falls 14-10 to Virginia

CAVALIER APPROACH: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Kathryn Hallett, right, gets stymied by two University of Virginia players last Saturday. Junior midfielder Hallett scored three goals in the contest but it wasn’t enough as Virginia prevailed 14-10. The Tigers, who moved to 1-1 with the setback to the Cavaliers, were slated to play at Lehigh on February 27 and then open their Ivy League campaign with a game at Brown on March 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team committed 12 turnovers in the first half against visiting Virginia last Saturday, the contest was a nail-biter heading into intermission.

Sparked by three goals from junior midfielder Kathryn Hallett with sophomore star Tess D’Orsi chipping in a goal and assist, the Tigers trailed only 7-6 despite their sloppy play. more

Senior Bell Hits 1,000-Point Mark in Jadwin Finale As Tiger Men’s Hoops Tops Dartmouth, Ends Skid

RINGING TRUE: Princeton University men’s basketball player Amir Bell dribbles the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior guard Bell enjoyed a special finale at Jadwin Gym, reaching the 1,000-point mark in his career as Princeton rolled to a 64-47 win over Dartmouth. The Tigers, now 12-15 overall and 4-8 Ivy League, play at Brown on March 2 and at Yale on March 3 still in the running for a spot in the upcoming Ivy postseason tournament, which includes the top four teams in the regular season standings. Princeton stands one game out of fourth place heading into the final weekend of the regular season as it trails Cornell (11-14 overall, 5-7 Ivy) and Columbia (8-17 overall, 5-7 Ivy). (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As Amir Bell came off the court at Jadwin Gym for the final time in his career with the Princeton University men’s basketball team last Saturday, he was showered with an avalanche of affection.

Many in the crowd of 2,754 on hand for the program’s annual Senior Night rose to give Bell a standing ovation as he left the game against Dartmouth with 2:42 remaining and Princeton on the way to a 64-47 win as it broke a seven-game losing streak, improving to 12-15 overall and 4-8 Ivy League. more

Keeping Things Simple in Do-or-Die Situations, PHS Boys’ Hockey Advances to Public B Semis

COLM AND COLLECTED: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Colm Trainor controls the puck in a game earlier this season. Last Monday, freshman forward Trainor scored two goals, including the game winner, as 11th-seeded PHS upset third-seeded Ridge 4-3 in overtime in the state Public B quarterfinals. The Little Tigers, who improved to 18-8-2 with victory, will now face second-seeded Northern Highlands in the Public B semis at the Mennen Sports Arena on February 28. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming off the ice after falling to Hun in the Mercer County Tournament boys’ hockey final, the players on the Princeton High squad slammed their sticks in their locker room and screamed in frustration.

Fueled by that disappointment, PHS bought a sense of urgency as they faced Middletown North in the Round of 16 in the state Public B tournament last week. more

PDS Boys’ Hockey Keeps Battling to Final Buzzer, But Edged by Wyoming Seminary in MAHL Final

ALMOST THERE: Princeton Day School boys’ hockey player Ryan Lisk reaches for the puck last Wednesday as PDS hosted Wyoming Seminary (Pa.) in the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League (MAHL) championship game. Despite outshooting the Blue Knights 29-12, PDS ended up falling 1-0. The defeat left the Panthers with a final record of 17-8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though the Princeton Day School boys’ hockey team had already defeated Wyoming Seminary (Pa.) twice this season, Scott Bertoli knew that his squad faced a challenge as the rivals met in the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League (MAHL) championship game last Wednesday.

“They have adjusted and adapted a new style of play,” said PDS head coach Bertoli, whose team had topped Wyoming 4-3 on December 10 and 3-0 on January 3. more

February 21, 2018

Sparked by Eastman’s Emergence as Scoring Threat, PDS Boys’ Hockey Advances to MAHL Title Game

EASTERN EXPRESS: Princeton Day School boys’ hockey player Ty Eastman skates up the ice in recent action. Last Wednesday, junior forward Eastman tallied a goal and an assist as second-seeded PDS defeated third-seeded LaSalle College High (Pa.) 4-2 in the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League (MAHL) semis. The Panthers, now 17-7, host fourth-seeded Wyoming Seminary in the title game on February 21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

During his sophomore season with the Princeton Day School boys’ hockey team, Ty Eastman played it close to the vest when he got the puck.

“Last year I was very hesitant,” said Eastman. “I wasn’t taking chances.”

Teaming up this winter with fellow junior Coby Auslander and senior Ryan Lisk on the team’s top line, Eastman has emerged as an offensive force. more

PHS Boys’ Hockey Falls in MCT Title Game, Looks to Build on Run in State Tournament

STICKING TOGETHER: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Ben Drezner, No. 19, celebrates with his teammates after a goal last Friday in the Mercer County Tournament title game against Hun. Junior forward Drezner tallied two goals and an assist in a losing cause as second-seeded PHS fell 9-4 to top-seeded Hun. The Little Tigers, who moved to 16-8-2 with the loss, are headed to the state Public B tournament where they are seeded 11th and were slated to play at sixth-seeded Middletown North on February 20 in a first-round contest. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

When the Princeton High boys’ hockey team faced Hun in early December, the local rivals skated to a 3-3 tie.

Last Friday, when the foes met in the Mercer County Tournament championship game for the second straight year, it looked like they were headed to another nail-biter. more

Hun Boys’ Hockey Wins 5th Straight MCT Title As Freshman Argentina Makes Immediate Impact

DRIVE FOR FIVE: Hun School boys’ hockey player Matt Argentina controls the puck last Friday night in the Mercer County Tournament championship game. Freshman forward Argentina tallied two goals and two assists in the contest to help top-seeded Hun defeat second-seeded Princeton High 9-4 and win its fifth straight county crown. The Raiders finished the season with a 13-8-2 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Matthew Argentina relished the chance to hit the ice last Friday night to play in the Mercer County Tournament boys’ hockey title game.

“I knew it was going to be something special,” said Hun School freshman star forward Argentina.

“It was my first time and it was better than I expected. It was a great atmosphere and all.” more

With Freshman Meyers Getting Into a Groove, PU Women’s Hoops Moves Firmly Atop Ivies

ABBY ROAD: Princeton University women’s basketball player Abby Meyers heads to the hoop in recent action. Last week, freshman guard Meyers scored 17 points to help Princeton defeat Penn 60-40. Last Saturday, she chipped in 12 as the Tigers rolled to 74-46 win at Columbia. Princeton, now 19-4 overall and 9-1 Ivy League, plays at Dartmouth on February 23 and at Harvard on February 24. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Abby Meyers has experienced some growing pains this winter in her freshman season with the Princeton University women’s basketball team.

The highly touted Meyers, who scored more than 1,700 points for Walt Whitman High (Md.), went through some ups and downs over the first few months of her debut campaign, scoring 13 points against Davidson in her third game but then being held scoreless in wins over St. Joseph’s on December 20 and Penn on January 6. more

Fueled by Brown’s Impressive Debut, PU Men’s Lax Edges Monmouth in 2 OT

MEMORABLE DEBUT: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Chris Brown heads upfield last Saturday as Princeton hosted Monmouth in the season opener. Freshman attackman Brown made a superb college debut, contributing two goals and three assists as Princeton pulled out a 9-8 win in double overtime. The 18th-ranked Tigers play at No. 6 Virginia (2-0) on February 24. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In the early stages of his debut for the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team, Chris Brown struggled to get in a rhythm.

Freshman attackman Brown and and the Princeton offense couldn’t find the back of the net as the Tigers and visiting Monmouth were knotted in a scoreless stalemate late in the first quarter last Saturday in the season opener for both squads.

“We had our shots and the goalie, give him credit, made some great saves in the beginning,” said Brown. more

As PU’s 1998, 2008 ECACH Champs Honored, Tiger Men’s Hockey Girding for Playoff Push

BECK AND CALL: Princeton University men’s hockey player Max Becker heads up the ice in a game this season. Senior forward Becker and his classmates played their final regular season home games at Hobey Baker Rink last weekend, winning 7-2 against Rensselaer on Friday and then falling 4-1 to Union a night later. Princeton, now 12-12-3 overall and 9-10-1 ECAC Hockey, wraps up regular season action by playing at Clarkson on February 23 and at St. Lawrence on February 24. The Tigers are currently tied for seventh in the ECACH standings and in position to host a first round playoff series over the weekend of March 2-4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

The 1998 and 2008 Princeton University men’s hockey ECAC Hockey championship squads were honored at Hobey Baker Rink last Saturday evening.

Players from the storied teams were introduced after the first and second periods as Princeton hosted Union in its regular season home finale, drawing large ovations from the crowd of 2,271 that braved a snowstorm to be on hand. more

Dominating at Both Ends of the Court, Stuart Hoops Wins First Prep B Crown

TARTAN PRIDE: Members of the Stuart Country Day School basketball team celebrate after they defeated Academy of St. Elizabeth 62-22 in the state Prep B title game last Wednesday. It marked the first-ever Prep B title for the program. The Tartans went on to compete in the Mercer County Tournament, where they were seeded seventh and fell 51-40 to second-seeded Allentown in a quarterfinal contest last Saturday. Stuart finished the winter with a 17-8 record. (Photo Courtesy of Stuart Country Day School)

By Bill Alden

Bey-Shana Clark scored the first four points as the Stuart Country Day School basketball team hosted Academy of St. Elizabeth in the state Prep B title game last Wednesday.

The two buckets by junior star Clark set the tone as the Tartans raced out to a 35-7 halftime lead. more

Crediting Support From Players, Colleagues, PDS Coach Thomas Enters N.J. Lax Hall of Fame

NO DOUBTING THOMAS: Princeton Day School girls’ lacrosse coach Jill Thomas surveys the action in a game last year. Thomas was recently inducted into the New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Guiding the PDS program since 1998, Thomas has amassed more than 500 career wins. Her teams have won five Patriot League Championships, a Mercer County Championship in 2010, and a MCT second-place finish in 2011. In addition, Thomas has led the Panthers to Prep B state titles in 2015, 2016, and 2017. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Longtime Princeton Day School girls’ lacrosse head coach Jill Thomas wasn’t sure what was up when she was summoned to a meeting with Head of School Paul Stellato this past December.

Thomas got a pleasant surprise as she learned from Stellato that she has been voted into the New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

“I was actually pretty shocked; Tracy (assistant coach Tracy Young) got the seniors together and I was called into the Head of School’s office,” recalled Thomas. more

February 14, 2018

With Aubry Looking to End on a High Note, Hun Boys’ Hockey Advances to MCT Semis

NICK OF TIME: Hun School boys’ hockey player Nick Aubry heads up the ice in recent action. Last Wednesday, senior forward Aubry picked up two assists as top-seeded and four-time defending champion Hun defeated eighth-seeded Pennington 9-0 in the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals. The Raiders, who moved to 11-8-2 with a 6-4 win over St. Augustine last Monday in a regular season contest, were slated to face fifth-seed Paul VI in the MCT semis on February 13 with the victor advancing to the title game on February 16 at the Mercer County Skating Center. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Nick Aubry and his teammates on the Hun School boys’ hockey team were pumped up as they faced Pennington in the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals last Wednesday.

“All of the guys came out fired up,” said Hun senior forward Aubry. “The music was blasting, we had a great time.”

Aubry assisted on the second goal as top-seeded and four-time defending champion Hun jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period over eighth-seeded Pennington. more

Spaulding Displays All-Around Game As Stuart Hoops Makes Prep B Final

PLAN B: Stuart Country Day School basketball player Jalynn Spaulding heads upcourt last Sunday as second-seeded Stuart hosted third-seeded Newark Academy in the state Prep B semifinals. Senior guard Spaulding contributed 13 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists to help Stuart pull away to a 67-29 victory. The Tartans, now 15-7, will host fourth-seeded Academy of St. Elizabeth in the Prep B title game on February 14. In addition, Stuart will also be starting play in the Mercer County Tournament where they are seeded seventh and will host 10th-seeded Princeton High in an opening round contest on February 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Jalynn Spaulding went scoreless in the first quarter as the Stuart Country Day School basketball team hosted Newark Academy in the state Prep B semifinals last Sunday, but she played a key role as the Tartans built a 15-8 lead.

While Spaulding’s shot was off, she displayed an all-court game, crashing the boards and setting up teammates with some deft passing. more

Producing Another Dramatic Late Rally, PHS Boys’ Track Wins 3rd Straight Sectional

COMEBACK KIDS: Members of the Princeton High boys’ track squad celebrate after earning a share of the team title at the Central Group 4 indoor sectional meet at the Bennett Center in Toms River last Saturday. Trailing 44-27 late in the meet, PHS rallied to tie WW/P-South 51-51 for the crown. It marked the program’s third straight indoor sectional title. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Last year, the Princeton High boys’ track team trailed 41-22 late in the Central Group 4 indoor sectional meet but rallied to win the title.

As PHS competed in this year’s sectional last Saturday at Bennett Center in Toms River, it found itself in a similar predicament as it trailed 44-27 heading into the 3,200 and 4×400 relay. more

Showing MCT Experience With Overtime Goal, Goldberg Helps PHS Boys’ Hockey Make Semis

By Bill Alden

Keith Goldberg has fond memories of helping Hun School boys’ hockey team win its fourth straight Mercer County Tournament title last winter.

“I was able to play in the championship game,” said Goldberg. “That was a big deal.”

Transferring to Princeton High for the 2017-18 school year, junior forward Goldberg enjoyed a big moment for his new team in this year’s MCT as the Little Tigers faced Robbinsville in a quarterfinal contest last Wednesday. more

Excelling for Williams Women’s Swimming, PHS Grad Deardorff Primed for Postseason

MAKING WAVES: Madeleine Deardorff displays her breaststroke form in action for the Williams College women’s swim team. Former Princeton High standout Deardorff is enjoying a fine sophomore campaign for the Ephs, who are hosting the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) championships this weekend. Williams has won four straight NESCAC titles and took second at the NCAA Division III championships last winter. (Photo Provided by Williams College Sports Information)

By Bill Alden

For Madeleine Deardorff, illness held her back in the early stages of her freshman season for the Williams College women’s swimming team last winter.

“I was the typical freshman in college, I got sick all the time,” said former Princeton High standout Deardorff. “I had actually been sick a lot of the year so going into NESCACs (New England Small College Athletic Conference), I wasn’t as confident as I would have like to have been.” more

Falck Relishes Final Baker Rink Homestand As PU Women’s Hockey Battles Top 10 Foes

STICKING WITH IT: Princeton University women’s hockey player Kiersten Falck, left, goes after the puck in a game this season. Last Saturday, senior captain and star forward Falck contributed an assist in a losing cause as Princeton fell 3-2 to No. 8 St. Lawrence in overtime. The Tigers, now 11-12-4 overall and 9-10-1 ECAC Hockey, play at Yale on February 16 and at Brown on February 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Kiersten Falck, getting honored on her Senior Night last Saturday as the Princeton University women’s hockey team hosted St. Lawrence was a bit surreal.

“I remember our seniors, when it was their senior night and I was a freshman, just how exciting it was for them and how excited we were for them,” said senior captain and star forward Falck, a 5’5 native of Ham Lake, Minn. “Now, in the blink of an eye, I am sharing the same spot three years later.” more

Tiger Men’s Lax Aims to Keep Improving, Focusing on Being Sharper in Crunch Time

RECORD PACE: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Michael Sowers heads to goal in a game last year during a record-breaking freshman campaign which saw him score a program single-season record of 82 points on 41 goals and 41 assists. Star attackman Sowers will look to pick up where he left off as Princeton opens its 2018 season by hosting Monmouth on February 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Last spring, the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team showed marked progress in Matt Madalon’s first full season at the helm of the program.

The Tigers went 9-6 and reached the Ivy League tournament semifinals in 2017 after going 5-8 the year before with no postseason appearance. more

With Rush Providing a Spark Off the Bench, PU Women’s Hoops Posts 2-0 Ivy Weekend

GIFT OF GAB: Princeton University women’s basketball player Gabrielle Rush puts up a shot in recent action. Last Friday, junior guard Rush scored a career-high 19 points to help Princeton defeat Harvard 80-47. The Tigers, who topped Dartmouth 82-63 a night later to improve to 16-4 overall and 6-1 Ivy, were slated to host Penn on February 13 before playing at Cornell on February 16 and at Columbia on February 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Gabrielle Rush relishes her role as a key substitute for the Princeton University women’s basketball team.

“I think of myself as the spark off the bench, whether things are going bad or not or if we are losing or winning,” said Rush.

“Coming in off the bench, I have had a chance to watch for a few minutes, which I think is a real advantage. I can see how they are playing on defense and how they might be guarding me. On offense, I see what I need to do that is not being done or what I continue to be doing that is being done.” more