February 26, 2020

Hun Boys’ Hockey Stunned in MCT Final But Proud of Program’s 6-Year Title Run

ENDGAME: Hun School boys’ hockey player Eddie Evaldi speeds up the ice last Friday in the Mercer County Tournament championship game. Junior star Evaldi tallied a goal in the contest for top-seeded and six-time defending champion Hun but it wasn’t enough as second-seeded Princeton High overcame a 5-0 deficit to pull out a 7-5 win. The defeat left the Raiders with a final record of 9-14-2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

History appeared to be repeating itself as the Hun School boys’ hockey team faced Princeton High in the Mercer County Tournament final last Friday evening.

Having won six straight county crowns with PHS as the runner-up the past three seasons, Hun built a 5-0 lead over the Tigers early in the second period in the contest at the Mercer County Park Skating Center.

With 4:00 left in the third period, Hun had a 5-2 advantage and its student section was chanting “warm up the bus, warm up the bus” at the PHS fans. more

With Senior Hansford Sparking Tenacious Defense, Stuart Hoops Wins 3rd Prep B, Makes MCT Semis

THREE’S COMPANY: Senior guard Jasmine Hansford (front row, far right), celebrates with her teammates on the Stuart Country Day basketball team after the Tartans topped Academy of St. Elizabeth 65-33 in the state Prep B final last Wednesday to win their third straight state crown. On Friday, Hansford and the Tartans took a step toward another title as second-seeded Stuart topped seventh-seeded Hopewell Valley 51-23 in the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals. Stuart, now 20-6, faces third-seeded Notre Dame on February 26 in the MCT semis at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton with the victor advancing to the title game on February 28. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although Jasmine Hansford scored only two points as the Stuart Country Day basketball team topped Academy of St. Elizabeth 65-33 in the state Prep B title game last Wednesday, she helped set the tone for the Tartans.

“Defense is my main thing,” said Stuart senior guard Hansford. “I always guard the best players on the other team and make sure that they get the least amount of points possible. That is my main goal.”

Against second-seeded St. Elizabeth, top-seeded Stuart produced a stifling defensive effort on the way to building a 31-16 halftime lead and never looked back as it earned its third straight Prep B title.

“There was a lot of energy. We wanted to win; we wanted to get the third one,” said Hansford, who had four steals, two assists and a rebound in the title game. more

February 19, 2020

Slusher Produces Memorable Collegiate Debut, Tallying 4 Points as PU Men’s Lax Tops Monmouth

SUDDEN IMPACT: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Alex Slusher eludes a Monmouth defender last Saturday in the Tigers’ season opener. Freshman midfielder Slusher enjoyed a superb college debut, tallying three goals and an assist as Princeton pulled away to a 20-9 win over the Hawks. In upcoming action, the Tigers play at second-ranked and defending national champion Virginia on February 22. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden 

Coming all the way from Oregon to play for the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team, Alex Slusher experienced some butterflies as he made his college debut last Saturday against Monmouth. more

Rebounding From Lopsided Defeat to Yale, PU Men’s Hoops Tops Brown, Back Atop Ivies

BEARING DOWN: Princeton University men’s basketball player Tosan Evboumwan looks to make a move in recent action. Last Friday, freshman forward Evboumwan scored a team-high 11 points in a losing cause as Princeton fell 88-64 to Yale. Evboumwan and the Tigers bounced back on Saturday as Princeton defeated Brown 73-54 to improve to 11-10 overall and 6-2 Ivy League. The Tigers, who are tied atop the Ivy standings with Yale after the win over the Bears, play at Harvard on February 21 and at Dartmouth on February 22. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Tosan Evboumwan got the weekend off to a good start for the Princeton University men’s basketball team as it hosted Yale last Friday evening in a battle of Ivy League leaders. more

Princeton Men’s Hockey Gets Weekend Split As Senior Germain Saving His Best for Last

MAIN LINE: Princeton University men’s hockey player Jeremy Germain, middle, battles for the puck in recent action. Last Saturday, senior forward Germain scored the lone goal for Princeton as it fell 3-1 to No. 5 Clarkson. The Tigers, now 4-17-4 overall and 2-13-3 ECAC Hockey, play at Union on February 21 and at RPI on February 22. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though the Princeton University men’s hockey team found itself trailing No. 5 Clarkson 2-0 heading into the third period last Saturday, Jeremy Germain and his teammates weren’t about to throw in the towel. more

PHS Boys Swimming Falls in Sectional Final, Fighting Hard in Rematch with WW/P-North

BAY WATCH: Princeton High boys’ swimmer Dan Baytin displays his freestyle form in recent action. The addition of freshman star Baytin to the team in January helped PHS go on a stirring run in the state Public B Central Jersey sectional. The third-seeded Tigers advanced to the sectional final where they fell 100-70 to top-seeded and undefeated WW/P-North last Friday to end the winter with a 12-2-1 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

When the Princeton High boys’ swimming team suffered a one-sided 106-64 loss to WW/P-North in the season opener in December, it could have been a big hit to the squad’s confidence. more

With Point Guard Tumpowsky Getting Up to Speed, PHS Girls’ Hoops Showing Competitive Mentality

MAKING HER POINT: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Ashley Tumpowsky heads upcourt in recent action. Last week, junior point guard and co-captain Tumpowsky scored 10 points in a losing cause as PHS fell 34-30 to Hamilton West in its regular season finale. The Tigers, who moved to 4-16 with the loss in the February 11 contest, start action in the Mercer County Tournament this week where they are seeded 14th and play at third-seeded Notre Dame in a first round contest on February 19. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the starting point guard for the Princeton High girls’ basketball team, Ashley Tumpowsky concentrates on setting up her teammates to get the offense going. more

Emphasizing Participation, Development, PHS Fencing Program Thrusting Forward

CONTINUING TO ADVANCE: Princeton High girls’ fencer and team captain Eleanora Kreike-Martin shows her saber form. With a total of approximately 50 athletes competing for the boys’ and girls’ squads, the program is continuing to make progress.

By Bill Alden

Sam Blanchard got exposed to fencing through taking a PE course at the University of Oregon in the 1980s and he quickly became hooked on the sport. more

With Brake Upholding Family Tradition, Hun Boys’ Hockey Cruises into MCT Semis

TOUGH BRAKE: Hun School boys’ hockey player Chris Brake, right, tangles with a foe in a game earlier this season. Last Wednesday, senior captain and forward Brake contributed an assist as top-seeded Hun defeated ninth-seeded Nottingham 6-1 in the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals and moved to 8-13-2. Hun, which has won six straight county crowns, was slated to play fourth seeded Robbinsville in the semis on February 18 with the victor advancing to the title game on February 21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It was a busy day for Chris Brake and the Hun School boys’ hockey team last Wednesday.

In the afternoon, fourth-seeded Hun played at top-seeded Lawrenceville in the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League (MAHL) semifinals and battled valiantly in a 2-1 defeat. more

PDS Boys’ Hockey Falls in Season Finale But Senior Star Sherman Savors Experience

SHERMAN’S MARCH: Princeton Day School boys’ hockey player David Sherman heads up the ice in a game earlier this season. Last Wednesday, senior star Sherman wrapped up his PDS career as the Panthers fell 3-1 to LaSalle College High (Pa.) in their season finale. PDS ended the winter with a 7-11-1 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

David Sherman was disappointed that the Princeton Day School boys’ hockey team lost 3-1 to LaSalle College High (Pa.) last Wednesday to wrap up its season but that isn’t what will come to his mind when he looks back on his final high school game. more

Clicking Well at Both Ends of the Court, PDS Boys’ Hoops Advances to Prep B Final

LAYING DOWN THE LAW: Princeton Day School boys’ basketball player Ethan Garita goes up for a shot in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, junior forward Garita scored 17 points to help second-seeded PDS defeat third-seeded Wardlaw-Hartridge 55-39 in the state Prep B semifinals. The Panthers, who improved to 12-10 with the win, will play at top-seeded Doane Academy in February 23 in the Prep B title game. In addition, PDS will be competing in the Mercer County Tournament where it is seeded eighth and hosts ninth-seeded Lawrence High in an opening round contest on February 19. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For the Princeton Day School boys’ basketball team, its 44-42 loss to Montgomery last week was a wake-up call as it girded for playing in the state Prep B semis on Friday. more

February 12, 2020

Snapping Cornell’s 92-Match Ivy Winning Streak, PU Wrestling Earns 1st League Crown Since 1986

CROWNING GLORY: Princeton University wrestler Travis Stefanik celebrates after he topped Cornell’s Jonathan Loew 10-4 to clinch victory in a 19-13 triumph by Princeton over the Big Red last Sunday at Jadwin Gym. In beating the Big Red, the Tigers handed Cornell its first Ivy League defeat since 2002 to snap its 92-match league winning streak and earn Princeton’s first Ivy crown since 1986 and the school’s 500th league title overall. Princeton, now 6-4 overall and 4-0 Ivy, hosts Penn and Drexel on February 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Chris Ayres was a man in demand in the wake of coaching the Princeton University wrestling team to a dramatic 19-13 win over Cornell last Sunday,  producing one of the greatest moments in program history. more

Having Dominated Ivy League in Recent Years, PU Women’s Lax Looking for Deep NCAA Run

READY TO ATTACK: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Tess D’Orsi heads to goal in a 2019 game. Senior tri-captain and star attacker D’Orsi, who had 80 points on 64 goals and 16 assists last year, is primed for a big final campaign. Princeton opens its 2020 season by playing at Temple (1-0) on February 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

The Princeton University women’s lacrosse team has developed into a dynasty despite playing in an increasingly competitive Ivy League.

The Tigers will be starting their drive for a seventh straight Ivy regular-season title and third straight Ivy League Tournament title (sixth in 11 years) when they open the season at Temple (1-0) on February 15. more

With Senior Group Showing Sense of Urgency, PU Men’s Lax Hungry to Make Postseason Play

AUTO-BAUGHAN: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player George Baughan races past a foe in a game last year. Junior captain Baughan is one of the top defenseman in the nation, having earned first-team All-Ivy League honors in 2019 and preseason All-American recognition coming into this spring. Princeton opens its 2020 campaign by hosting Monmouth (1-0) on February 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For the 12 seniors on the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team, it is now or never.

The group has helped produce some highlights over their first three seasons, including wins over Johns Hopkins, Rutgers, Cornell and Denver and some memorable battles with national championships teams Yale and Virginia. more

With Alarie Starring at Both Ends of Court, PU Women’s Hoops Tops Columbia, Now 17-1

RISING FORCE: Princeton University women’s basketball player Bella Alarie drives to the hoop in recent action. Last Saturday, senior star Alarie scored a game high-24 points as Princeton defeated Columbia 77-55. The Tigers, now 17-1 overall and 5-0 Ivy League, play at Yale on February 14 and at Brown on February 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Having poured in a total of 59 points in two games against Columbia last year, Bella Alarie picked where she left off as the Princeton University women’s basketball team hosted the Lions last Saturday. more

With Bar-Cohen Undeterred by Broken Nose, Surging PHS Boys’ Hoops Routs Lawrence

RAISING THE BAR: Princeton High boys’ basketball player Gefen Bar-Cohen goes up for a bucket last Friday as PHS played at Lawrence. Battling through a broken nose, senior forward Bar-Cohen scored a game-high 19 points to help the Tigers prevail 63-37. PHS, which improved to 10-10 with the win, hosts Phillipsburg on February 13 and then starts play in the Mercer County Tournament. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Gefen Bar-Cohen’s face was covered by a plastic mask to protect a broken nose as he took the court for the Princeton High boys’ basketball team at Lawrence last Friday evening.

In the early stages of the contest, senior forward Bar-Cohen looked like the injury may be hampering him as he missed several shots, going scoreless as PHS found itself trailing the Cardinals 8-6 at the end of the first quarter. more

Making Last Push for PHS Boys’ Swimming, Reyen Helps Tigers Advance to Sectional Final

FINAL RUN: Princeton High boys’ swimmer Jeshurun Reyen displays his form in a race earlier this winter. Last Wednesday, senior Reyen placed first in the 50 and 100-yard free to help third-seeded PHS post a 95-75 win over sixth-seeded Red Bank in the state Public B Central Jersey quarterfinals. On Monday, Reyen helped PHS edge second-seeded WW/P-South on power points in the sectional semis as the teams tied 85-85. PHS, now 13-1, will face top-seeded WW/P-North in the sectional final on February 14 at the Neptune Aquatic Center. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton High boys’ swim team hosted Red Bank Regional in the state Public B Central Jersey quarterfinals last Thursday at the John Witherspoon School pool, it marked the last home meet for senior star Jeshurun Reyen.

“It is really hard to believe, I have been swimming here for four years,” said Reyen. “It has been a great ride. It is lots of emotions, happy and sad.” more

Enjoying Senior Moment with Game-Winning Shot, Weiss Stars as Hun Boys’ Hoops Edges PDS 53-52

SENIOR MOMENT: Hun School boys’ basketball player Jack Weiss, left, battles for the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Wednesday, Weiss enjoyed a special Senior Night, scoring 11 points, including the game-winning three-pointer as Hun edged Princeton Day School 53-52. Over the weekend, Hun fell 53-46 to Mercersburg Academy (Pa.) in the opening round of the MAPL (Mid-Atlantic Prep League) tournament last Friday and then topped Lawrenceville 62-45 in a consolation game a day later. The Raiders, now 11-13, host West Nottingham Academy (Md.), on February 13 and then start action in the state Prep A tourney where they are seeded third and play at second-seeded Blair in a semifinal contest on February 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As Jack Weiss went through his Senior Night for the Hun School boys’ basketball team last Wednesday evening, it prompted him to reflect on how far he has come in a journey across town after transferring from Princeton High. more

Irish Native Maguire Bringing European Flair As Hun Girls’ Hoops Makes MAPL Semis

FIGHTING IRISH: Hun School girls’ basketball player Enya Maguire dribbles the ball upcourt in recent action. Last Saturday, post-graduate guard Maguire, a native of Belfast, Ireland, scored 14 points and had five assists as Hun fell 68-53 to Lawrenceville in the MAPL (Mid-Atlantic Prep League) semifinals. The Raiders, now 16-6, host Hightstown on February 13 and then have a rematch with Lawrenceville in the state Prep A semis on February 17 when third-seeded Hun plays at the second-seeded Big Red. (Photo by Rose Denommee, provided courtesy of the Hun School)

By Bill Alden

Enya Maguire brought a pass-first style with her from Belfast Ireland when she joined the Hun School girls’ basketball team this winter as a post-graduate point guard. more

Ottomanelli Showed Versatility by Winning Hurdles, 800 As Stuart Track Took 3rd Straight Indoor Prep B Crown

TRIPLE CROWN: Stuart Country Day School track star Alex Ottomanelli, center, enjoys the moment with teammates Cara Carr, left and Heather Kwafo after the trio placed in the top four in the 55 hurdles at the state Prep B indoor championships earlier this month at the Lawrenceville School. Senior star Ottomanelli took first in the event with Kwafo coming in second and Carr taking fourth. In addition, Ottomanelli won the 800 and helped the 4×400 relay take first and set a school record helping Stuart place first in the meet for the third straight year.

By Bill Alden

Even though the Stuart Country Day School track had taken first in the last two state Prep B indoor championship meets, Alex Ottomanelli and her teammates knew that their streak was in jeopardy as they prepared for the 2020 competition. 

“We were just trying to keep positive all week, we were all hyping each other up for the meet,” said senior star Ottomanelli, reflecting on the championship event that took place on February 1 at the Lawrenceville School. more

February 5, 2020

Wright’s Emergence as All-Around Contributor Helps PU Men’s Hoops Enjoy 2-0 Ivy Weekend

WRIGHT ON: Princeton University men’s basketball player Ethan Wright dribbles past a foe in recent action. Last Saturday, sophomore guard Wright tallied a team-high 15 points with four rebounds and three steals to help Princeton edge Harvard 70-69. The Tigers, now 9-8 overall and 4-0 Ivy League, play at Cornell on February 7 and at Columbia on February 8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Ethan Wright’s progress has mirrored the collective improvement made by the Princeton University men’s basketball team as it has bounced back from a 1-7 start to post wins in eight of its last nine games.

In the first eight games of the season, sophomore guard Wright totaled 27 points and 13 rebounds. Over Princeton’s hot streak, Wright has piled up 70 points and 38 rebounds.

Last weekend, Wright displayed his all-around value to the Tigers, contributing six points and eight rebounds as Princeton defeated Dartmouth 66-44 and then had team-high 15 points with four rebounds and three steals in a 70-69 win over Harvard a night later. more

Returning from Exam Break with 0-2 Weekend, PU Men’s Hockey Needs to Start Winning Battles

YOUNG GUN: Princeton University men’s hockey player Spencer Kersten, right, battles a foe on a face-off in recent action. Last Saturday, freshman forward Kersten scored a goal in a losing cause as Princeton fell 5-3 to No. 1 Cornell. The Tigers, now 3-14-4 overall and 1-10-3 ECAC Hockey, play at Brown on February 7 and at Yale on February 8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

As the Princeton University men’s hockey team resumed ECAC Hockey play last weekend, it faced challenges on several levels.

First, Princeton had to shake off some rust, having been on a 20-day hiatus for exams. In addition, the Tigers were facing a pair of formidable foes as they hosted surging Colgate on Friday night and top-ranked Cornell on Saturday evening.

“We got one week of practice in; it is still a unique situation and I am glad to see it go away,” said Princeton head coach Ron Fogarty, noting that exams will take place before Christmas starting in the 2020-21 school year. more

PHS Alum Ratzan Stars For Tufts Men’s Soccer, Helping Jumbos to 2nd Straight NCAA D-III Title

TOUGH TO STOP: Alex Ratzan, center, controls the ball in action this past fall for the Tufts University men’s soccer team. Former Princeton High standout Ratzan helped Tufts win its second straight NCAA Division III national title. Junior midfielder Ratzan scored a team-high seven goals as the Jumbos posted a final record of 20-2-2. (Photo by Anna Miller/Tufts)

By Bill Alden

The Kansas City Chiefs enjoyed a championship celebration last Sunday night after they defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in the Super Bowl, dousing Coach Andy Reed with a bucket of Gatorade and cavorting all over the field as they waited to accept the Lombardi Trophy.

Former Princeton High boys’ soccer player Alex Ratzan knows the championship feeling twofold as he helped Tufts University men’s soccer team win its second straight NCAA Division III national crown this past December.

For junior midfielder Ratzan, the thrill of winning the title is unforgettable.

“It felt amazing; it definitely felt a little different than the year before,” said Ratzan.

“Everything just kind of fell into place. We had given so much to this year and had worked so hard. We were playing our best soccer by the end of the year. It was a great feeling.” more

Senior Davis Has Fun, Success at Final County Meet, Exemplifying Positive Effort by PHS Swimming

FREE AND CLEAR: Princeton High girls’ swimmer Cami Davis churns her way to a second place finish in the 100 freestyle at the Mercer County Championships last Saturday. Senior star Davis, who also took third in the 50 free, helped PHS girls take third in the team standings at the event. The Tiger boys’ squad also had a strong showing at the competition, placing fifth overall. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Cami Davis was determined to savor the final Mercer County Championships in her career for the Princeton High girls’ swimming team.

“It was so exciting,” said PHS senior star and captain Davis, reflecting on competing at the county meet last weekend at WW/P-North.

“My main goal was to have a lot of fun because this season has been really great.”

Having fun and swimming great, Davis took third in the 50-meter freestyle and second in the 100 free to help PHS take third in the team standings behind champion WW/P-North and runner-up Pennington. more

Munford Earns Title in MCT Wrestling Debut, Helping to Spark PHS to Strong 4th Place Finish

FORD TOUGH: Princeton High wrestler Aaron Munford, top, dominates a foe in recent action. Last Saturday, sophomore Munford placed first at 138 pounds in the Mercer County Tournament to help PHS place fourth in the team standings at the event. PHS also got titles at the competition from senior Dominic Riendeau-Krause at 145 pounds and junior James Romaine at 152 pounds. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Aaron Munford was one of three champions for Princeton High wrestling at the Mercer County Tournament last weekend, but unlike the other two it was his first time in the varsity spotlight.

Sophomore Munford made the most of the opportunity at his first MCT at Robbinsville High on Saturday. In the quarterfinals at 138 pounds, he pinned Viraj Chandra of WW/P-North and then recorded a 16-6 major decision over Robbinsville’s Isaiah Lederman in the semifinals. In the final, he earned a 16-11 decision over Hopewell Valley’s Alejandro Lopez to uphold his top seeding and win his first county crown.

“I think it’s like the start of the postseason so it boosts my confidence going into districts and maybe regions,” said Munford, who improved to 24-3 this year. “I wasn’t as confident, but being the No. 1 seed definitely helped.”

Munford picked up 27 points for the Little Tigers, who placed fourth in the MCT with Hopewell Valley winning the team title. PHS got titles from senior Dominic Riendeau-Krause at 145 pounds and junior James Romaine at 152 pounds, and also picked up a second-place finish from junior Chris Sockler at 132 pounds. more