CROWD PLEASER: Princeton University men’s basketball player Caden Pierce dribbles around a defender in recent action. Last Saturday, sophomore forward Pierce tallied 17 points with 11 rebounds to help Princeton top Penn 77-70 before a sell-out crowd of 5,515 packing Jadwin Gym. The Tigers, now 17-3 overall and 5-2 Ivy League, host Brown on February 16 and Yale on February 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

The fans started streaming into Jadwin Gym 90 minutes before Princeton University men’s basketball team tipped off against arch-rival Penn last Saturday evening in the first sell-out in the building since December 12, 2001 when the Tigers hosted Kansas.

In the second half, the throng of 5,515 on hand was uneasy as a gritty Quaker squad led the Tigers 42-36 just after halftime and knotted the contest at 59-59 with 7:59 left in regulation. more

OH BROTHER: Princeton High boys’ swimmer Jaiden Xu displays his freestyle form in a meet earlier this season. Last Friday, junior Xu placed first in the 200-yard individual medley, edging twin brother David, and second in the 500 freestyle to help second-seeded PHS top third-seeded Summit 92-78 in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North 2 Group B sectional semis. The Tigers, now 13-0, face top-seeded Chatham in the sectional final on February 14 at the Raritan Bay Aquatic Center in Perth Amboy. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Jaiden Xu produced a personal breakthrough as the second-seeded Princeton High boys’ swim team edged third-seeded Summit 92-78 in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North 2 Group B sectional semis last Friday.

Racing against his twin brother David in the 200-yard individual medley, Xu took first just ahead of his brother, earning his first triumph in the IM sibling rivalry. more

GOING THE DISTANCE: Princeton High girls’ swimmer Sabine Ristad heads to victory in a 500-yard freestyle race earlier this season. Last Friday, Ristad placed first in both the 500 free and the 100 backstroke to help top-seeded PHS defeat fifth-seeded WW/P-South 120-50 in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group B sectional semis. The Tigers, now 12-0, will face second-seeded Manasquan in the sectional final on February 15 at The College of New Jersey. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Sabine Ristad didn’t waste any time getting things rolling for the top-seeded Princeton High girls’ swim team as it hosted fifth-seeded WW/P-South in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group B sectional semis last Friday.

Swimming the backstroke leg to lead off the 200-yard medley relay in the first event of the meet, junior Ristad helped the PHS A quartet take first by nearly three seconds.  more

GABFEST: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Gabby Bannett puts up a shot in recent action. Last week, Bannett starred on her Senior Day, tallying six points with three rebounds, two steals, and an assist as the Tigers topped WW/P-North 47-33 on February 6. On Monday, PHS competed in the Mercer County Tournament where it was seeded sixth and fell 87-33 to third-seeded Trenton Catholic in a quarterfinal contest. PHS, now 14-8, is next in action when it takes part in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) state tournament. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Gabby Bannett has been dealing with a balky shoulder this winter but she wasn’t about to sit out her Senior Day game for the Princeton High girls’ basketball team last week.

“I have dislocated it three times so it has been a little tough; actually last game it happened again,” said senior guard/forward Bannett, who has been wearing a brace on her shoulder. “I wasn’t sure if I should play today, but I am really happy that I did.”

There were some happy moments before the game against WW/P-North on February 6 as Bannett was honored along with the team’s other senior, Riley Devlin, with posters and balloons displayed in the gym.  more

FRESH APPROACH: Princeton Day School girls’ hockey player Hark Sandhu controls the puck in a game early this season. Freshman Sandhu helped second-seeded PDS defeat third-seeded Immaculate Heart Academy 4-3 last Wednesday in the semifinal round of the Librera Cup. The Panthers, who improved to 10-5 with the win, were slated to face top-seeded Morristown-Beard in the Librera final on February 14. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Della Gilligan is just a freshman but she has already proved to be a versatile performer for the Princeton Day School girls’ hockey team.

“I was originally defense at the beginning of the year and then they switched me to forward,” said Gilligan. “It was a little nerve-wracking; we got through it.” more

JOLLY GOOD: Hun School girls’ basketball player Sam Jolly, right, looks to unload the ball in recent action. Last Monday, second-seeded Hun defeated seventh-seeded Hamilton West 58-35 in the first round of the Mercer County Invitational. The Raiders, now 10-10, will host third-seeded Pennington in the MCI semis on February 14. In addition, Hun will be competing in the Prep A state tournament where it is seeded second and will host third-seeded Lawrenceville in the semis on a date to be determined. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With point guard and leading scorer Gabby D’Agostino sidelined by appendicitis, it was next player up for the Hun School girls’ basketball team as it hosted Pennington last Wednesday in a MAPL Tournament Play-In game.

“We had to step up for Gabby and play for Gabby,” said Hun sophomore guard Sam Jolly. “She put her heart out for this team and we wanted to make sure that we gave it back.” more

NO QUIT: Princeton High boys’ basketball player Remmick Granozio looks to unload the ball under pressure in a game earlier this season. Last Wednesday, senior guard Granozio scored six points with three assists and two rebounds to help PHS defeat STEMCivics 67-48. The Tigers, who lost 44-34 to Delaware Valley last Monday to move to 10-9, play at WW/P-North on February 7 before hosting Notre Dame on February 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Remmick Granozio didn’t waste any time getting the Princeton High boys’ basketball team rolling as it hosted STEMCivics last Wednesday.

Gathering in the ball off the opening tip-off, senior guard Granozio raced straight to the hoop and knocked in a lay-up.

“It was a tip to me and then I was going to get it to Jahan [Owusu],” said Granozio. “But there was no one in front of me, so I just went in. It was good.” more

BEARING DOWN: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Graham Baird, left, controls the puck in recent action. Senior star and assistant captain Baird tallied a goal and an assist to help PHS defeat the WW/P Hockey Co-op on January 30. The Tigers, who lost 3-2 to Nottingham last Monday to move to 5-10, will start play in the Mercer County Tournament on February 9 where they are seeded fifth and will face fourth-seeded Notre Dame in a quarterfinal contest at the Mercer County Skating Center. In addition, PHS will be playing Robbinsville on February 11 at the Grundy Ice Arena in Bristol, Pa. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Graham Baird is showing his versatility and character this winter for the Princeton High boys’ hockey team.

Starting the season at defenseman, senior Baird has moved up the ice for PHS.

“I have been just where the team needs me, I am on offense for now,” said Baird. “It is good. Before we didn’t have much depth on offense. Mixing me into the offense gave us more of a second line and we are able to produce which is good.” more

THE WRIGHT STUFF: Hun School boys’ basketball player Sam Wright heads to the hoop for a layup in a game earlier this season. Last Monday, postgraduate Wright scored 14 points as Hun fell 92-67 to the Perkiomen School (Pa.). The Raiders, now 8-12, will be playing at Pennington on February 8 in a Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) tournament play-in game with the victor advancing to the semis on February 10 at Hun. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Sam Wright has been keeping busy athletically doing his post-graduate year at the Hun School.

“I am doing baseball and basketball all year round,” said Wright, a star pitcher on the diamond and Quinnipiac baseball commit who has emerged as a star guard this winter for the Hun boys’ hoops team. “I am excited for baseball, but I am really focused on basketball right now.” more

ABBY ROAD: Stuart Country Day School basketball player Abby Chirik puts up a shot on recent action. Last Saturday, sophomore guard Chirik scored eight points in a losing cause as Stuart fell 49-25 to Bridgewater-Raritan. The Tartans, now 3-7, host Central Jersey College Prep on February 8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After the Stuart Country Day School basketball team fell 49-25 to Bridgewater-Raritan last Saturday, the squad headed to a classroom near the gym for an extended postgame debriefing.

Stuart head coach Tony Bowman gave his players a clear message as they assembled in the wake of the setback. more

MAKING A SPLASH: Princeton High boys’ swimmer David Xu displays his breaststroke form in a meet earlier this season. Last Saturday, junior star Xu placed first in both the 200-meter individual medley and 100 backstroke to help PHS finish first in the team standings at the Mercer County Swimming Championships. It marked the third straight county crown for the Tigers. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Knowing that it had a target on its back as it went for a third straight title at the Mercer County Swimming Championships last Saturday at the WW/P-North pool, the Princeton High boys’ swim team made a statement in the first final of the meet.

Competing in the 200-meter medley relay, PHS placed first in a time of 1:49.82 with WW/P-North taking second in 1:51.78.

“Everyone is after us, I think going into finals there was about a half second that separated us,” said PHS head coach Carly (Misiewicz) Fackler. “We knew going into it that it was going to be a close race. The guys were ready and very much up for the challenge. Jerry Liu with the freestyle leg in the event had probably the best 50 free I have ever seen him swim.” more

SENIOR MOMENT: Princeton Day School girls’ hockey player Logan Harrison controls the puck in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, senior captain and star forward Harrison scored a goal and had an assist to help PDS defeat Randolph 4-0 as the program held its annual Senior Night celebration. The Panthers, who lost 4-2 to Immaculate Heart last Monday to move to 8-4, host Morristown-Beard on January 31 before playing the Pingry School on February 1 at the Bridgewater Sports Arena. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton Day School girls’ hockey team held its annual Senior Night celebration last Friday when it hosted Randolph High, Logan Harrison was deeply touched.

“It is a great experience. I have been playing here for seven years — this last year I have seen all of the seniors of the past graduate, and now it is like my time,” said senior star forward and team co-captain Harrison. “It is really moving honestly. It really was bittersweet, I was so glad to have my family here too.”

The team’s Class of ’24, which includes 10 players, was honored with numbers posted on one side of the rink and posters with messages from their teammates at the other end. That group has developed a family feeling over the years. more

STREAKING AHEAD: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Anna Winters dribbles upcourt in recent action. Last Wednesday, sophomore standout Winters tallied 14 points with six rebounds, three assists, and four steals to help PHS defeat Princeton Day School 56-32. The Tigers, who topped Barnegat 54-43 last Saturday to post its sixth straight win and improve to 9-4, host Lawrence on January 26 and Medford Tech on January 27 before playing at Steinert on January 30. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Anna Winters has diversified her game in her sophomore season for the Princeton High girls’ basketball team.

“I feel I have gotten better in some ways, I have learned more moves,” said Winters. “Last year, I just drove to the right, now I have some moves.”

Last Wednesday, forward Winters displayed her versatility, tallying 14 points with six rebounds, three assists, and four steals to help PHS defeat the Princeton Day School 56-32. more

DOING HIS BESS: Princeton High boys’ basketball player Michael Bess Jr. controls the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, sophomore guard Bess scored a team-high 12 points in a losing cause as PHS fell 53-46 to visiting Nottingham. The Tigers, who lost 66-49 at the Pingry School last Saturday to move to 5-5, host Allentown on January 19 and Florence on January 20. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

The first quarter was painful for Michael Bess Jr. and the Princeton High boys’ basketball team as the Tigers hosted Nottingham last Friday.

PHS ended the quarter trailing 8-4, mustering just two buckets on nearly 20 shots while sophomore guard Bess took a knock.

“We just started off slow, that is how we have been in a couple of games,” said Bess. “I cut my hand in the first.” more

TAKING HER SHOT: Princeton High girls’ hockey Maya Hagt, right, fires a shot in a game last winter. Last Friday, junior forward/defender and team captain Hagt scored a goal PHS fell 8-3 to Cranford. The Tigers, now 1-6, play the Lawrenceville JV on January 18 at Hobey Baker Rink. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Maya Hagt and the Princeton High girls’ hockey team started 2024 with a bang.

With junior forward/defender and team captain Hagt chipping in a goal, PHS defeated Newark East Side 4-1 last Wednesday in its initial action of the new year as the program posted its first win since 2022. more

STATING HER CASE: Stuart Country Day School basketball player Taylor States heads to the hoop in recent action. Last Thursday, forward States posted a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds in a 72-41 loss to Morristown-Beard. The Tartans, who moved to 2-3 with the defeat, play at the College Achieve Central Charter on January 17 before hosting the Pennington School on January 23. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Taylor States has set the bar high for herself this winter in her sophomore season for the Stuart Country Day School basketball team.

Last Thursday, forward States posted a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds in a 72-41 loss to Morristown-Beard, but she was not satisfied by her performance. more

GIFT OF GAB: Hun School girls’ basketball player Gabby D’Agostino goes in for a layup in recent action. Last Wednesday, sophomore guard D’Agostino scored 28 points to help Hun defeat Pennington 58-53 in double overtime. The Raiders, who moved to 7-10 with a 46-34 loss to Christian Academy Blue (Md.) last Saturday in the Rose Classic Super Jam in Brooklyn, N.Y., play at the Peddie School on January 17 and at the Blair Academy on January 23. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Gabby D’Agostino was looking to be a crowd-pleaser for the Hun School girls’ basketball team as it hosted the Pennington School last Wednesday.

“We only have five home games,” said sophomore guard D’Agostino, who transferred to Hun this year from New Hope-Solebury (Pa.). “So being able to have them show out, we really just want to win for them because we don’t get a lot of these.” more

STROKES OF BRILLIANCE: Princeton High boys’ swimmer David Brophy heads to a win in a freestyle race earlier this season. Last Friday, junior standout Brophy placed first in the 100-yard butterfly and the 500 freestyle as PHS topped WW/P-South 124-46. The Tigers, who defeated Nottingham 121-49 last Monday to improve to 9-0, host Trenton on January 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For David Brophy and the Princeton High boys’ swimming team, facing formidable rivals Notre Dame and WW/P-South last week figured to be key midseason litmus tests.

“They are two very competitive teams, we were really excited for the meets and the competition in there,” said PHS junior standout Brophy. “I know a couple of kids from the other teams, it is always good to race against them.”

Brophy competed hard through the week, taking first in the 100-yard butterfly and second in the 500 freestyle as PHS defeated Notre Dame 117-53 last Wednesday. more

CHARLES IN CHARGE: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Charles Ross controls the puck in recent action. Senior forward and co-captainRoss has tallied seven points on three goals and four assists so far this season to rank second on the team in scoring behind Brendan Beatty (10 points on 7 goals, 3 assists). PHS, which moved to 1-4 with a 9-1 loss to Middletown North last Wednesday, faces Hopewell Valley on January 10 and Robbinsville on January 12 with both games to be played at the Mercer County Skating Center. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Showing rust after not having played a game in 15 days, the Princeton High boys’ hockey team dug an early hole as it faced Middletown North last Wednesday night in its first action of 2024.

PHS fell behind 4-0 seven minutes into the contest. While the Tigers did get on the board with a goal by Liam Campbell midway through the second period to make it a 5-1 game, PHS couldn’t find a rhythm as it fell 9-1.

“It was a tough team to come out against; we never got it going, we were chasing the whole game,” said Tiger head coach Rik Johnson, whose team dropped to 1-4 with the setback. “There were flashes but at no point did it feel like they were poised to come back.” more

AIR JORDAN: Princeton Day School boys’ basketball player Jordan Owens flies to the hoop in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, sophomore guard Owens scored 16 points to help PDS edge Hamilton West 39-36. The Panthers, who improved to 3-5 with the victory, host Steinert on January 12 before playing at Princeton High on January 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Starting 2024 with a bang, the Princeton Day School boys’ basketball team pulled out a 50-46 win at Notre Dame High in overtime on January 2.

“It was a great win for our program, playing against a really good team that has a great tradition,” said PDS head coach Eugene Burroughs. “I was excited for our kids to go in there and battle and compete and really just find a way to win.”

A day later, the Panthers battled hard against the Solebury School (Pa.), trailing 31-22 at halftime before fading in the second half on the way to a  69-41 setback. more

FIGHTER JETTE: Hun School boys’ hockey player Charles-Etienne Jette, right, goes after the puck in a game last season. Last Thursday, senior defenseman Jette contributed an assist as Hun fell 4-2 to Don Bosco Prep. The Raiders, now 2-5, face the Portledge School (N.Y.) at the Beaver Dam Winter Sports Club in Locust Valley, N.Y., on January 11 before hosting St. Augustine Prep on January 16 at the Ice Land Skating Center. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Julien Arseneault was primed to step up for the Hun School boys’ hockey team as it hosted powerhouse Don Bosco Prep last Thursday.

“I was ready, it is a big team,” said Hun senior goalie Arsenault of the clash with the Ironmen, who came into the game ranked as the No. 1 team in the state by NJ.com. “It is a challenge for me so I love it.”

Arseneault proved to be  up for the challenge, looking sharp from the start, making 10 saves in the first period as the foes battled to a 1-1 tie. In the second period, Arseneault took things to a higher level, holding Don Bosco scoreless as he made 15 stops. more

COMING THROUGH: Princeton High boys’ basketball player Jahan Owusu dribbles past a foe in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, senior guard Owusu scored a game-high 18 points to help PHS defeat North Hunterdon 55-49 in the Cougar Classic at Montgomery High. The Tigers, who moved to 3-2 with the win, play at Trenton Central on January 5 at and at Hamilton West on January 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Jahan Owusu returned from the holiday break on a roll as the Princeton High boys’ basketball team faced Bridgewater-Raritan last Wednesday in the Cougar Classic at Montgomery High.

Senior guard Owusu tallied six points as PHS built a 21-16 lead over the Panthers in the first quarter.

“I feel like we were playing really well in the first half,” said Owusu. “We were hitting shots. Everybody was moving and cutting; everyone was getting involved today.” more