December 18, 2019

Hundreds Expected for Impeachment Rally

By Donald Gilpin

Hundreds of demonstrators calling for President Donald Trump’s impeachment and removal from office were expected to gather in Hinds Plaza adjacent to the Princeton Public Library yesterday evening. The rally was to take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, after press time.

In spite of weather, traffic, and holiday distractions, rally leaders said they were anticipating a large crowd of supporters as part of the more than 500 nationwide “Nobody Is Above the Law” rallies in all 50 states on the eve of the U.S. House of Representatives’ vote to impeach Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of justice. The Princeton Police Department yesterday announced the possibility of closing parts of Witherspoon and Hulfish streets during the rally in the event of an overflow crowd in Hinds Plaza.

The House is likely to pass the two articles of impeachment today, making Trump the third president in history to be impeached. The Senate will probably vote in January on the question of removal from office.

“When the president manipulates congressionally-appropriated funds in order to pressure a foreign power to help his own re-election, and then obstructs Constitutionally-mandated oversight, public protest to preserve our democracy becomes a patriotic duty,” said Laura Zurfluh, Indivisible Cranbury founder and one of the rally organizers. more

Lifelong Princeton Resident Mark Freda To Run for Mayor

By Anne Levin

Mark Freda, president of the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad (PFARS) and a former member of Princeton Borough Council, will run for mayor of the town in the 2020 election. The 63-year-old lifelong Princeton resident made the announcement this week.

“My view on effective local government is simple: be open, be honest, be transparent, and communicate often,” he said in a press release. “I believe we can learn a great deal from the past.  But change will keep coming at us. We can ignore it, or we can work together to shape it. My civic experience in leadership roles puts me in an excellent position to act on this vision.”

Freda grew up on Erdman Avenue, attended Notre Dame High School, and graduated from the College of New Jersey with a degree in political science with an emphasis in public administration. He had been involved in local organizations since he was 18, including time with the Princeton Youth Employment Service and Princeton Area Jaycees. more

Referendum Projects, Long-Term Planning Move Forward at PPS

By Donald Gilpin

On the agenda for last night’s Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education (BOE) meeting was an update on projects planned as part of the $26.9M bond issue approved by Princeton voters in December 2018.

The meeting took place after press time, but scheduled to provide information on the building projects were Scott Downie, architect from Spiezle, Inc.; Kathy Tartaglia, construction manager from Epic Inc.; PPS director of Facilities David Harding; and PPS business administrator Matt Bouldin.

PPS has been working on a series of health and safety improvements at the six district schools. Some of these improvements, such as air conditioning in the Princeton High School (PHS) gym, were completed last summer, and others are scheduled to take place over the next 24 months.

Several of the biggest improvements will take place at PHS, where four new classrooms and an educational commons area will be added above the fitness center and the guidance offices will be renovated, with six meeting rooms added. PPS Superintendent Steve Cochrane also mentioned a recent focus on the planning for a remote dining facility, the Tiger Cub Cafe, on the main floor at PHS “to expand student access to high quality food.” more

Six Days of History At Annual Patriots Week

ARMED AND READY: Re-enactments of the First and Second Battles of Trenton are among the most popular draws of Patriots Week, the annual celebration of the capital city’s role in the Revolutionary War. More than 50 events will be held from December 26-31.

By Anne Levin

With a new mobile website to help history enthusiasts navigate the long list of walking tours, battle re-enactments, lectures, concerts, puppet shows, a pub crawl, and a Colonial ball, the Trenton Downtown Association (TDA) is ready to launch this year’s Patriots Week, taking place at various venues in and around the capital city December 26-31.

“People come from all over for this,” said Tom Gilmour, executive director of the TDA, which plans the commemoration. “The history geeks who follow the battle re-enactments are always a great crowd. And we have a solid audience, of people from as far as Connecticut and Virginia, for the many educational programs.”

Along with one-time events, the week includes recurring activities such as planetarium shows (a demonstration of the sky set to December 25, 1776), musket demonstrations, and tours of the New Jersey State House, the Trent House, and the Old Barracks. Most are free. more

W-J Mural Project Moves Forward; Leaders Enlist Community Support

By Donald Gilpin

The Witherspoon-Jackson (W-J) community African American mural project is moving into high gear, looking towards an unveiling in August 2020 during the annual Joint Effort Safe Streets Celebration.

Plans for the mural were a key topic at a meeting of the W-J Neighborhood Association (WJNA) Saturday morning at the Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church, as participants discussed ways to engage the community and necessary next steps in planning and implementing the project. The mural, which will reflect the African American experience in Princeton, is currently proposed to be installed at the newly renovated Mary Moss Playground at the corner of John and Lytle streets.

W-JNA Chairman Leighton Newlin said that interested individuals are contributing a variety of concepts and ideas about how to use public art to illustrate the historic and cultural legacy of the W-J neighborhood. “We are asking for community ideas on design possibilities,” said Newlin. “Done right and with the right level of community input, this will have a meaningful and genuine impact on people who live here and people who lived here in the past. It will be a great way to illustrate the history of the community.” more

Arts Council of Princeton Announces New Development Director

By Anne Levin

The Arts Council of Princeton has named Caroline Cleaves, a Princeton native, as its new director of development. The position is effective January 2.

The organization’s search to fill the post of executive director, vacant since Taneshia Nash Laird stepped down in August 2018, is continuing. Jim Levine is serving as the interim executive director.

“Caroline joined us in March 2019 as a development consultant, and has quickly brought discipline and insights to our efforts,” Levine said in a press release. “Both the board and the staff have been impressed with Caroline’s perspectives, work ethic, wit, and her knowledge of the development field. Everyone’s excited to have her join the team.”

A graduate of Princeton High School, Cleaves lives in Princeton with her husband, Princeton University History Professor Sean Wilentz, and her two children. The couple married this past September. more

HomeFront Makes Holiday Push To End Homelessness

By Donald Gilpin

HomeFront, a nonprofit seeking “to end homelessness in Central New Jersey by harnessing the caring resources and expertise of the community,” is ramping up its efforts during the holiday season amidst increasing challenges.

“The job has grown in recent years because wages have stagnated, but rental and home costs have soared,” said HomeFront Founder and CEO Connie Mercer. “Now working families who never have become homeless before are living too close to the edge financially, and one bump in the road can lead to eviction.”

HomeFront’s Homelessness Prevention Program provided funds to 208 families this year for security deposits and other home needs. Also this year, through their Furnish the Future program, HomeFront provided 440 families with donated beds, bureaus, tables, and couches for their new homes, as well as food to stock new pantries, Thanksgiving dinners, and even Christmas presents to ease the traumas of homelessness.  more

PCTV Proponents Urge Council to Continue Funding

By Anne Levin

Numerous speakers at the Monday, December 18 meeting of Princeton Council urged the governing body to reconsider its decision to stop funding Princeton Community Television (PCTV), the public access channel that has been airing programs since 1997.

The municipality decided in May to eliminate the nonprofit station’s $232,000 in annual funding after negotiations with the station broke down. The town maintains that the station should be raising funds privately instead of using taxpayer dollars. Not all of those who produce programs and use facilities at the station live in Princeton, which makes it unfair to have it subsidized by local residents, the municipality contends.

But those who have benefited from PCTV programs say it should continue to be funded by the town. “I have found them to be an incredible resource,” said the Rev. Robert Moore of the Coalition for Peace Action. “It has helped us to reach a much wider audience.”

Dempsey Avenue resident Kip Cherry called the station “a jewel in jeopardy. Without public access we are limiting our ability to be well informed,” she said. “I hope the current impasse will be resolved and the town will continue to support PCTV. Let’s not shut the door on one of the key avenues to community discourse.” more

Living With “The Irishman” — Movies at Home vs. Movies in the Theatre

By Stuart Mitchner

Stopped in at the Gallery of the Adelphi Theatre, Strand — horribly hot & crowded — good piece though — in bed by ten o’clock.” That’s from the journal Herman Melville kept in November 1849, the year before he embarked on Moby Dick (1851).

“At the end of the first act we went out with all the other jerks for a cigarette. What a deal that was. You never saw so many phonies in your life.” In case you really want to know, that’s from J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher on the Rye (1951), the chapter where Holden Caulfield takes Sally to the theatre.

I’m quoting from Melville and Salinger because this may be my last chance in 2019 to observe their respective bicentennial and  centennial years, but mainly because I’ve been thinking about why I chose to watch Martin Scorsese’s three-and-a-half-hour-long epic The Irishman at home on Netflix rather than seeing it with my wife at Princeton’s Garden Theatre, where Ethan Hawke has been known to show up onscreen to remind patrons to turn off their phones and refrain from talking. The fact that movie houses everywhere need to screen these reminders indicates why some people prefer to watch at home rather than deal with various potential distractions and irritants of sharing the experience with less than thoughtful fellow moviegoers. You never know when someone behind you has a cough that won’t stop or a laugh that breaks the sound barrier.

Then there’s always the possibility that some proud parents will bring their four-year-old along rather than trust the precious creature to a babysitter. I speak from experience, not as the parent but as the creature who allegedly yelled “Don’t go up there again, you silly man!” when Joe E. Brown kept climbing a ladder to court a fair maiden (possibly Martha Raye) who kept dropping flower pots on his head. Joe E. Brown is best known today as Osgood Fielding III, the smitten suitor in Some Like It Hot who unhesitatingly says “Nobody’s perfect!” to Jack Lemmon’s Daphne when Jack rips off his wig and shouts “I’m a man!” The communal roar of laughter greeting that iconic closing line is a reminder of the pleasure of sharing sheer unmitigated amusement with a theatre full of people who at that moment are on the same wavelength whatever their political party or social status. The sound of uninhibited response to a public performance echoes through the ages from Shakespeare’s Globe to New York movie audiences delighting in the Beatles A Hard Day’s Night in the summer of 1964 when I was in the habit of taking Beatle-resistant friends to the show for the fun of watching their euphoric responses. more

Renowned Artists Present Towering Schubert Song Cycle in Princeton

By Nancy Plum

Often in classical music, convention has determined how works are performed, and artists have been reluctant to change a time-honored way in which a piece is presented. Handel’s Messiah must end with a loud “Amen,” Brahms’ Requiem should be sung by a large chorus, and endless discussions continue on how to perform Bach.  Such is the case with Franz Schubert’s 1827 song cycle Winterreise, historically performed by a male voice. 

The winds of change on this piece began blowing almost thirty years ago, and a New York Times editorial asked, “Can a Woman Do a Man’s Job in Schubert’s Winterreise?”  In recent years, more female singers have been tackling this emotional and challenging cycle. Musical custom has dictated that a male singer present this work, but the song cycle’s themes of lost love and the imminent approach of death are universal and speak to everyone, regardless of gender. Asking the question “what happens to the winter’s journey, when we feel it through the heart of the one who was the impetus of such agony and despair,” world-renowned mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato brought her unique interpretation of Schubert’s 24-song cycle to Princeton last Wednesday night in a performance presented by Princeton University Concerts “Icons of Song” series in Richardson Auditorium.  more

“A Christmas Carol” Returns to Delight Audiences at McCarter Theatre; Festive Production Brings Music and Community Spirit for the Holidays

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: Performances are underway for “A Christmas Carol.” Directed by Adam Immerwahr, the play runs through December 29 at McCarter’s Matthews Theatre. Tiny Tim (Aria Song, left) receives a special gift from Scrooge (Greg Wood). (Photo by T. Charles Erickson)

By Donald H. Sanborn III

To fully experience McCarter’s annual production of A Christmas Carol, audiences should arrive at least 15 minutes before curtain time. Dressed in Linda Cho’s opulent costumes, which evoke Dickensian London, members of the community ensemble circulate the lobbies, ready to serenade anyone who will join them in a rendition of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” The caroling provides a seamless segue into the start of the show, as the performers exuberantly lead the audience in singing “In Dulci Jubilo.”

McCarter’s diverse and talented cast combines professional actors with nonprofessional performers who comprise a community ensemble (for ages 14 and older), and a young ensemble.

Old Marley’s ghost warns Scrooge, “It is required of every man that the spirit within him should walk … among his fellow men.” Director Adam Immerwahr’s staging lets the cast do this literally, as audience members periodically find characters standing next to them.

A banner bearing the inscription “London, 1843” is placed in front of the curtain. Scrooge climbs on stage and irritably tells the onstage carolers — and us — to stop singing. Then he disdainfully removes the banner. more

Old and New Works On Orchestra Program

WORLD PREMIERE: Clarinetist Kinan Azmeh is soloist in a new work by Saad Haddad, on the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s programs January 18 and 19. (Photo by Martina Novak)

On Saturday, January 18 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 19 at 4 p.m. in Richardson Auditorium, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) performs Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s popular work Scheherazade, Op. 35 on a program with the world premiere of composer Saad Haddad’s Clarinet Concerto.

A commission of the PSO and the Barlow Endowment for Music Composition at Brigham Young University, the concerto features Syrian clarinetist Kinan Azmeh. Jacques Ibert’s Escales (Ports of Call) completes the program to be conducted by Edward T. Cone Music Director Rossen Milanov.

Rimsky-Korsakov was influenced by explorer Richard Francis Burton’s 1885 translation of One Thousand and One Nights (the Arabian Nights) enough to craft a symphonic suite centered on its heroine. Ibert’s Escales recounts the sights and sounds of a Mediterranean coastal excursion, and composer Saad Haddad draws upon his Middle Eastern ancestry to create a work conveying a universal spirit of cooperation among fellow human beings. His new concerto is dedicated to the memory of his grandfather, who led Haddad’s mother and her extended family away from war-torn Lebanon to the United States. more

Youth Orchestra Performs Higdon “Percussion Concerto”

Angela Zator Nelson, associate principal timpanist for the Philadelphia Orchestra, will perform with the Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey (YOCJ) on Sunday, January 19, 7 p.m., at Kendall Hall on the campus of The College of New Jersey in Ewing.

Nelson joins YOCJ’s Symphonic Orchestra to perform a work by 2010 Pulitzer Prize and Grammy winner, Jennifer Higdon. The performance of Higdon’s Percussion Concerto is the featured event of the annual YOCJ winter concerts. It will also include classical and modern music performed by YOCJ’s most advanced groups, the Saxophone Choir and the Symphonic Orchestra. An earlier concert at 3 p.m. will include the String Preparatory Orchestra, Pro Arte Orchestra, and Wind Symphony.

Nelson rehearsed extensively with the Symphonic Orchestra, working with students individually and helping many grow as musicians. According to YOCJ’s percussion director, Chris Colaneri, “It was a pleasure to have Angela Zator-Nelson work with the YOCJ Orchestra. She was an inspiration to the percussion section and energized us to reach our full potential.” more

Siri Ranaweera Paintings At Plainsboro Library

“GREEN BEE EATER”: This acrylic painting by Siri Ranaweera is featured in an exhibition of his works on view at the Plainsboro Library Gallery January 7-29. A reception is Sunday, January 12 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Plainsboro Library Gallery will present acrylic paintings by Siri Ranaweera this January. The exhibit runs January 7–29, with an art reception on Sunday, January 12, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Ranging from realistic to abstract, the exhibit’s themes revolve around landscape and animals in motion. Ranaweera works with both brush and palette knife, paying particular attention to color and the subtle variations in light on his subject. more

“Open Call” Exhibit At Gourgaud Gallery

“MINUETTO”: This painting by Linda Gilbert is part of the 11th annual “Open Call” exhibit, on view at the Gourgaud Gallery in Cranbury January 5 through February 28. The theme of the exhibit, which features the works of many artists, is “People and Flowers.” An opening reception is January 5, 1 to 3 p.m.

“People and Flowers” is the theme of the 11th annual “Open Call” exhibit at Gourgaud Gallery in Cranbury. The exhibit will be on view January 5 through February 28, and feature works in several different mediums — including paintings, drawings, and photography — in a variety of styles and sizes, created by many different artists.

An opening reception with many of the artists will be held on Sunday January 5, from 1 to 3 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. more

Mixed Media Exhibit At Hamilton Library

“AUTUMN WOODS”: Mixed media works by Connie Cruser will be on view at the Hamilton Free Public Library January 2 through March 31. Cruser is known for her paper quilled mosaics, but the exhibit will also feature pieces in other media.

The Hamilton Free Public Library will feature the artwork of Connie Cruser. on exhibit January 2 through March 31.

Cruser is a self-taught artist who began her artistic journey in 2015. Since then, she has gained recognition with several awards. Additionally, earlier this year, her work was included in the Mercer County Artists 2019 show. She is known for her signature paper quilled mosaics, but the exhibit also features work that shows her creativity in other media.

The Hamilton Free Public Library is located at 1 Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. Way, Hamilton.  Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, https://hamiltonnjpl.org.

Alarie Makes Big Return After 4-Game Hiatus As Tiger Women’s Hoops Tops Penn State 72-55

RETURN TO ACTION: Princeton University women’s basketball player Bella Alarie heads to the hoop in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior star Alarie returned to action sidelined for four games due to injury and didn’t miss a beat, scoring 23 points to help Princeton defeat Penn State 72-55. The Tigers now 9-1, play at Missouri on December 18 and at St. Louis in December 20. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Having been sidelined for four games due to some nagging leg injuries, Bella Alarie was fired up to get back on the court for the Princeton University women’s basketball team as it hosted Penn State last Saturday afternoon.

“I feel good; I was excited to be out there with my teammates again,” said senior star Alarie.

“This was a really big game for us and to really just come in and do what I could to contribute was all that I wanted to do.”

Senior center Alarie made a big contribution in her return, tallying 23 points with five rebounds and three blocked shots as Princeton pulled away to a 72-55 win over Penn State, improving to 9-1.

“I felt good shooting and just playing out there,” said Alarie, who drained 4-of-5 three-pointers in the first half.

“When I feel hot and able to shoot, I am just going to keep shooting until someone gets out on me. Being able to do that and spread the floor for our team really opens a lot of stuff up.”

Things opened up for Princeton junior guard Carlie Littlefield in the second half as she scored 14 points over the last two quarters to end up with a career-high 25.

“I just do whatever the team needs me to do so I was open,” said Littlefield.

“I got hot in the second half just like she got hot in the second quarter, so I kept shooting and they kept finding me.” more

With Wright Contributing Off the Bench, PU Men’s Hoops Showing Improvement

THE WRIGHT STUFF: Princeton University men’s basketball player Ethan Wright goes up for a lay-up last week as Princeton hosted Monmouth. Sophomore guard Wright tallied 14 points off the bench as the Tigers fell 67-66 on a buzzer-beater in the December 10 contest. Princeton, which improved to 2-7 with an 80-65 win over Fairleigh Dickinson last Saturday, hosts Hofstra on December 19 in its last action before the holidays. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Ethan Wright didn’t make much of an impact initially coming off the bench for the Princeton University men’s basketball team as it hosted Monmouth last week.

In the first half of the December 10 contest, sophomore guard Wright made 1-of-3 shoots for two points and committed a turnover in 10 minutes of work.

Re-entering the game with 15:43 left in regulation, Wright made a foul and had 0 points in a 3:34 stint.

But when Wright was inserted back into the game with 11:00 left and Princeton trailing 51-37, he was inspired by his teammates to overcome his early struggles.

“I had a little bit of a slow start but I was feeding off of my teammates,” said Wright. more

PHS Girls’ Hoops Starting From Scratch, Dealing with Dramatic Roster Turnover

COACH’S CHALLENGE: Princeton High basketball head coach coach Dave Kosa instructs his players during a game last winter. With a nearly complete roster turnover from a squad that went 18-8 last season, Kosa will be presiding over a youth movement by necessity this winter. PHS tips off the 2019-20 season by playing at Hightstown on December 20. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As Dave Kosa looks ahead to the upcoming season for his Princeton High girls’ basketball team, he acknowledges that he is essentially starting from scratch.

Losing six players to graduation from a squad that went 18-8 last winter and with two other seniors opting not to play this winter,  Kosa will be presiding over a youth movement by necessity.

“We are very young, we lost everybody from last year; it is all sophomores and juniors with one freshman,” said Kosa. “We have hardly anything back, no points, no rebounds, or anything.”

Kosa is relying on a pair of juniors Ashley Tumpowski and Brynne Hennessy to lead the way. more

Looking to Build on Last Winter’s Progress, PHS Boys’ Hoops Hungry for Winning Season

MAKING STRIDES: Princeton High boys’ basketball player Gefen Bar-Cohen heads to the basket in a game last winter. Senior forward and Kenyon College-bound Bar-Cohen is primed for a big final campaign for the Tigers. PHS tips off its 2019-20 season by hosting Hightstown on December 20. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After showing marked progress last winter, going 12-14 in the wake of a 4-21 campaign in 2017-18, the Princeton High boys’ basketball team is determined to keep trending upwards.

“We have a great bunch of guys,” said PHS head coach Pat Noone, whose team starts its 2019-20 by hosting Hightstown on December 20.  “They have been playing all summer, they did a great job. They are pretty hungry.”

Noone is expecting junior point guard Timmy Evidente to do a very good job this winter. more

Reyen Providing Inspiration In and Out of Water As PHS Boys’ Swim Team Produces 3-1 Start

GOOD RUN: Princeton High boys’ swimmer Jeshurun Reyen displays his breaststroke form in the 200 medley relay last Thursday as PHS defeated Steinert 111-58. Reyen helped PHS win the 200 medley relay and he took first in the 500 freestyle at the Tigers improved to 3-1. PHS was slated to swim at WW/P-South on December 17 and at Robbinsville on December 19 in its last action before the holidays.  (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though Jeshurun Reyen wasn’t in the water early on this season for Princeton High boys’ swimming team, he still inspired the squad.

“He was not initially cleared because he was having some shoulder issues,” said PHS head coach Carly Misiewicz.

“At the beginning of the season, he was on deck helping us coach, helping kids with technique, working on dives and turns, all of those little things”

Last Thursday, Reyen showed his technique and leadership, helping PHS defeated Steinert 111-58 to improve to 3-1. PHS defeated Steinert 111-58. Reyen helped PHS win the 200 medley relay and took first in the 500 freestyle.

“I have just watched him grow so much as a leader. He was quiet with that freshman mentality,” said Misiewicz. more

Displaying Formidable Depth and Versatility, PHS Girls’ Swimmers Cruise Past Steinert

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton High girls’ swimming team hosted Steinert last Thursday, it displayed its depth and versatility, mixing and matching its lineup on the way to a 107-59 win.

“I had a lot of girls in a lot of different events that they don’t normally swim,” said PHS head coach Carly Misiewicz.

“For example, Margaret Hill was in the breaststroke and she doesn’t normally swim that. I was trying some of the freshmen like Reece Gallagher and Macaela Wilton in different places. I wanted to see if they can excel anywhere else. I feel like we are deeper than we have been in the last couple years which is good.”

Senior Cameron Davis excelled against Steinert, winning the 50 freestyle and taking second in the 100 butterfly while setting an upbeat tone on the deck at the John Witherspoon Middle School pool.  more

Displaying his PU Basketball Bloodlines, Scott Making Impact for Hun Boys’ Hoops

By Bill Alden

In the mid-1980s, Joe Scott starred in the backcourt for the Princeton University men’s basketball team, known for his sharpshooting from the perimeter and hard-nosed play.

New Jersey native Scott drained 59 three-pointers as a senior in 1986-87, a program record at the time, and ended up with 144 steals to rank seventh at Princeton.

From 1988-92, Leah Spraragen distinguished herself as one of the best playmakers in the history of Princeton women’s basketball, dishing out 362 assists, the second most in program history.

Scott and Spraragen ended up marrying each other and last Wednesday, their son Jack, displayed qualities of his parents as the Hun School boys’ basketball team hosted Pennington. more

Wexler Comes Through in the Clutch As PDS Girls’ Hockey Wins Invitational

HAIL TO THE VICTORS: Princeton Day School girls’ hockey player Hailey Wexler controls the puck in a game during the 2018-19 season. Last Saturday as PDS wrapped up its 30th annual Harry Rulon-Miller Girls’ Hockey Invitational at McGraw Rink, junior forward Wexler scored two goals, including the game winner, as PDS defeated Chatham 5-4 in overtime in the championship game. PDS, now 3-2, plays Morristown-Beard on December 18 at the Twin Oaks Arena. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Hailey Wexler was primed to pick up her offensive production this winter heading into junior campaign for the Princeton Day School girls’ hockey team.

“I definitely try to be more of a scorer because our top scorer from last year is gone,” said Wexler, referring to the graduated Julie Patterson, who is now playing at Wilkes University.

“We have got a new sophomore in Ally [Antonacci] who was at the school already and we have a few great freshmen.”

Last Saturday as PDS hosted Chatham in the championship game of the program’s 30th annual Harry Rulon-Miller Girls’ Invitational, Wexler came up with some key scores.  more

Sparked by James’ All-Around Offensive Game, Stuart Hoops Rolls to Win Over Hun, Now 3-2

A-PLUS: Stuart Country Day School basketball player Aleah James dribbles upcourt in a game earlier this season. Last Wednesday, junior guard James scored a game-high 22 points to help Stuart defeat Hun 73-35. The Tartans, now 3-2, are next in action when they compete in the Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix, Ariz. from December 18-21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Aleah James put her nose to the grindstone in an effort to become more of an all-around offensive threat this winter for the Stuart Country Day School basketball team.

“I have been working on my shot more; I am really trying to consistently hit threes this season and work on my outside game,” said junior guard James. “I am also looking to get easy points off of steals.”

James displayed her offensive skill set last Wednesday, tallying a game-high 22 points, including four 3-pointers, as Stuart pulled away to a 73-35 win over Hun.

Coming off an 84-38 loss to Blair two days earlier, James and her teammates were fired up to jump on the Raiders.

“Our mindset was just to bring the energy no matter what because we have the talent, we have the players,” said James, reflecting on a contest which saw the Tartans jump out to a 25-10 lead heading into the second quarter. “We have everything so as long as we brought the energy we were fine.”

Applying a full-court press, the energy Stuart displayed at the defensive end helped set the tone.

“Defense is our strong suit this season, especially pressuring the ball to get our points easily,” added James. more