March 12, 2025

RUSHING FORWARD: Princeton Day School boys’ hockey player Jake Harrison controls the puck in a game last season. Junior forward Harrison starred as the Panthers went 10-9-1 this winter and advanced to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public state quarterfinals. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming into the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public state tournament, the Princeton Day School boys’ hockey team was primed to finally make a run to the final four.

Sixth-seeded PDS got off to a good start, cruising to a 5-2 win over 11th-seeded St. Joseph (Metuchen) in a first round contest. more

TOP POSITION: Princeton High star wrestler Blasé Mele, top, controls Pope John’s Donny Almeyda on the way to defeating him 7-1 in the 144-pound final last Saturday at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) State Wrestling Championships in Atlantic City. Mele is the first boys’ state champion in PHS history, and became only the fourth boy champion from Mercer County. (Photo provided by Jess Monzo)

By Justin Feil

Blasé Mele’s drive home from Atlantic City was different this year.

For the past years, it had been a return after falling short of his hopes in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) State Wrestling Championships, but it was different after the Princeton High senior captured the 144-pound weight class Saturday. more

March 5, 2025

SEVEN UP: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Haven Dora, left, looks to unload the ball against Hofstra last Saturday. Junior attacker Dora dished out a program-record seven assists for a second straight game as the Tigers rolled to a 20-4 win over the Pride. No. 13 Princeton, now 3-1, hosts Penn State on March 5 and Harvard on March 8 in its Ivy League opener. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Haven Dora wears No. 7 for the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team and last week that number took on an added significance for the junior attacker.

On Wednesday, Dora tallied a program single-game record seven assists to help Princeton edge Delaware 15-14. Three days later, Dora matched that feat, getting seven assists as the Tigers rolled to a 20-4 victory over Hofstra in improving to 3-1.

“I am really proud of that,” said Dora, reflecting on the record.“Every single game, I am trying to come out with a team win and if that is what it takes, I am going to keep assisting my teammate. Hopefully at some point. I can break it and get eight. I am looking forward to the rest of the season.” more

DRIVING FORCE: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Anna Winters drives to the hoop last Thursday as fourth-seeded PHS defeated 13th-seeded Trenton Central 61-54 in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 4 tournament. Junior guard Winters scored a game-high 25 points in the win. The Tigers went on to lose 65-34 to fifth-seeded Franklin last Monday in the quarterfinal round of the tourney to end the winter with a 19-10 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Anna Winters went scoreless in the first quarter as the Princeton High girls’ basketball team fell behind 10-7 to Trenton Central last Thursday in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 4 tournament.

In the second quarter, junior guard Winters and fourth-seeded PHS got into a groove, outscoring the 13th-seeded Tornadoes 22-3 to seize control of the contest. more

ON THE STICK: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Brendan Beatty, left, goes after the puck in recent action. Last week, senior star and captain Beatty scored two goals as 16th-seeded PHS fell 9-3 to top-seeded Bridgewater-Raritan first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Public sectional tournament. The loss left the Tigers with a final record of 7-12. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Knotted in a 2-2 stalemate with the West Windsor-Plainsboro hockey co-op after two periods in the Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) Tournament quarterfinal round, the Princeton High boys’ hockey team raised its game.

Outscoring West Windsor 4-0 in the third period, PHS prevailed 6-2 in the February 5 contest to book a spot in the CVC semis. more

RARE AIR: Princeton Day School girls’ hockey player Aerin Bruno surveys the action in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, senior defender and team captain Bruno helped spark a superb defensive effort as top-seeded PDS defeated eight-seeded Summit 5-0 in the quarterfinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Girls’ Ice Hockey State Tournament. The Panthers, now 12-2-1, will face fourth-seeded Morristown-Beard in the state semis on March 5 at the Codey Arena in West Orange with the victor to advance to the state final on March 10 at the Prudential Center in Newark. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Aerin Bruno’s right shoulder was heavily taped but she smiled through the pain after helping the Princeton Day School girls’ hockey team defeat Summit 5-0 last Friday in the quarterfinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Girls’ Ice Hockey State Tournament.

With PDS having been seeded No. 1 in the tourney and getting a first-round bye, Bruno and her teammates were chomping at the bit to finally get going in the competition. more

STATE OF PLAY: Stuart Country Day School basketball player Lia States, center, heads to the basket in recent action. Last Friday, freshman guard States scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to help 11th-seeded Stuart upset sixth-seeded Calvary Christian 50-33 in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Jersey Non-Public B tournament. On Monday, Stuart fell 78-43 to third-seeded Wildwood Catholic in the quarterfinal round of the tournament. The Tartans ended the winter with a 6-15 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Stuart Country Day School basketball team geared up to make its debut in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public tournament, Tony Bowman was encouraged by the way his squad was coming together down the stretch.

Playing at Kent Place in its regular season finale on February 25, Stuart rolled to a 54-30 win.

“I think that is the best they have played all year,” said Stuart head coach Bowman. “They listened very well, that was probably our best defensive game.” more

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CLIMBING HIGH: “We believe that new heights can always be reached not only on our walls, but in all parts of life. The best way to achieve these heights is to be together.” This mission statement of The Gravity Vault Princeton emphasizes its focus on meeting challenges vigorously, with skill and dedication, thus accomplishing a rewarding and meaningful result. Shown is the indoor rope climbing wall at the company’s Plainsboro Plaza location.

By Jean Stratton

“It’s a chance to flirt with adventure; an opportunity to break from the ordinary; a really meaningful alternative to a tired fitness format.”

Sound intriguing?

Not to keep you in suspense: it is rock climbing!

Michael Morand, co-owner of The Gravity Vault Princeton, is an enthusiastic advocate of this challenging and exciting activity, and wants to share its benefits and advantages with everyone.

Just opened last December in the Plainsboro Plaza at 10 Schalks Crossing Road in Plainsboro, the 17,500-square-foot facility offers a complete range of indoor climbing opportunities, as well as yoga classes and a fully-equipped gym. more

February 26, 2025

MAC ATTACK: Princeton University women’s hockey player Mackenzie Alexander fires a shot in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, freshman forward Alexander tallied one goal and two assists to help seventh-seeded Princeton defeat 10th-seeded RPI 3-2 in an ECAC Hockey playoff single-elimination opening round contest. The Tigers, who improved to 18-10-2 overall, will now play at second-seeded Colgate in a best-of-three quarterfinal series starting in February 28. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

By Bill Alden

It was the first ECAC Hockey playoff game for Mackenzie Alexander and she thrived in the pressure-packed atmosphere as the Princeton University women’s hockey team hosted RPI last Friday at Hobey Baker Rink in a single-elimination opening round contest.

“It was really fun, it was always high energy,” said Princeton freshman forward Alexander. “You could never take your foot off the gas, it was really exciting and really fun.”

Looking to bounce back from a 4-3 loss to RPI a week earlier in the regular season finale, the seventh-seeded Tigers brought an aggressive approach into the playoff clash against the 10th-seeded Engineers. more

TALL ORDER: Princeton University women’s basketball player Fadima Tall looks to pass the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, sophomore guard/forward Tall scored a team-high 17 points as Princeton fell 64-60 to visiting Columbia in an Ivy League first place showdown. The Tigers, now 18-6 overall and 9-2 Ivy League, play at Harvard on February 28 and at Dartmouth on March 1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Princeton University women’s basketball player Fadima Tall drew inspiration from some of the program’s former standouts as the Tigers hosted Columbia last Saturday evening in an Ivy League first place showdown.

“I think just having the people here who made this team was very encouraging,” said sophomore guard/forward Tall, referring to former players who were on hand as the University held its annual Alumni Day celebration. “They were at our shootaround and gave us words of encouragement. Then you have Ellie Mitchell and Julia Cunningham talking to me on the sidelines as I am in-bounding the ball. It is always nice to have.” more

JACKING IT UP: Princeton University men’s basketball player Jackson Hicke lofts a jumper in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, sophomore guard Hicke scored 10 points and grabbed six rebounds in a losing cause as Princeton fell 76-61 to Dartmouth. The Tigers, now 17-9 overall and 6-5 Ivy League, play at Cornell on February 28 and at Columbia on March 1. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

By Bill Alden

Earlier this winter, the Princeton University men’s basketball team displayed a propensity for overcoming double-digit deficits to earn dramatic victories.

In games against Iona, Akron, and Columbia, the Tigers trailed by 16 points, 15 points, and 20 points, respectively, before roaring back for improbable wins. more

SEEING RED: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Coulter Mackesy, right, looks to elude a Maryland defender last Saturday. Senior attacker Mackesy tallied three goals and an assist in the game but it wasn’t enough as then-No. 5 Princeton fell 13-9 to the second-ranked Maryland. The Tigers, now 1-1 and ranked eighth, play at No. 7 Duke (4-0) on February 28 and at No. 4 North Carolina (3-0) on March 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In its five games against powerhouse Maryland in the previous three seasons, the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team has gone 0-5, never leading at any point in those contests and getting outscored by a combined 19-6 in the first quarter.

As fifth-ranked Princeton hosted No. 2 Maryland last Saturday at Class of 1952 Stadium, the Tigers were determined to flip the script in the high noon showdown with the Terps. more

SENIOR MOMENT: Princeton University men’s hockey player Noah de la Durantaye celebrates after scoring a goal against Brown last Friday night. Despite senior defenseman and team captain de la Durantaye’s heroics, Princeton fell 3-2 in overtime to the Bears. On Saturday as the program hosted Yale and held its annual Senior Night celebration in its last regular season game at Hobey Baker Rink, de la Durantaye scored on his last shot in the building, converting in a shootout to help the Tigers secure an extra point after tying Yale 2-2 through regulation and overtime. The Tigers, now 10-14-3 overall and 5-12-3 ECAC Hockey, play at St. Lawrence on February 28 and at Clarkson on March 1 to wrap up regular season action. (Photo by Shelley Szwast/Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

While it has been a rocky ride at times for Noah de la Durantaye and his fellow seniors on the Princeton University men’s hockey team, there was a sense of appreciation for the experience as they played in their final games at Hobey Baker Rink last weekend.

“It is emotional for sure, I got a little sentimental thinking about it this week,” said senior defenseman and team captain de la Durantaye whose class brought a 41-69-8 career record into the weekend and endured a head coaching change along the way.  more

FOREST FIRE: Princeton High wrestler Forest Rose poses for a preseason photo. Last Saturday, freshman standout Rose placed first at 106 pounds at the District 18 boys’ wrestling championships. Rose is believed to be the first PHS freshman to win a district title. (Photo provided courtesy of Forest Rose)

By Justin Feil

Forest Rose put his name in the record books when he won the 106-pound division at the District 18 boys’ wrestling championships at Monroe High last Saturday.

Rose is believed to be the first freshman from Princeton High to win a district title.

“It was pretty exciting,” Rose said. “It was cool to do it because I was the first district champ in like five years and I could be double champ with my brother, both me and my brother are champs. It really makes me feel that I’m going to do good in my career.” more

WHY NOT: Princeton Day School boys’ hockey player Wyatt Ewanchyna controls the puck in a game last season. Last Thursday, senior star forward and team captain Ewanchyna scored two goals to help PDS defeat Gloucester Catholic 4-2. The Panthers, now 9-8-1, are starting play in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public State tournament this week where they are seeded sixth and slated to host 11th-seeded St. Joe’s (Metuchen) in a first round contest on February 25. The victor will play at third-seeded Don Bosco in a quarterfinal contest on February 27. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the captain of the Princeton Day School boys’ hockey team Wyatt Ewanchyna looks to set a good example for his teammates on a daily basis.

“I have tried to be a leader on the team, but I have never had a letter on my jersey before,” said senior forward Ewanchyna. “It gives me a sense that I have to prove something every day. I have to lead the freshmen.” more

ON THE BALL: Princeton Day School boys’ basketball player Gary Jennings, left, goes after the ball in recent action. Last Saturday, sophomore guard Jennings scored 25 points to help PDS edge Delran 58-57 in overtime. The Panthers, now 11-10, will be starting action in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Jersey Non-Public B tournament where they are seeded 11th and will be playing at sixth-seeded Wildwood Catholic in a first round contest on February 28. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton Day School boys’ basketball team hosted North Brunswick last Wednesday, Gary Jennings knew he had to step up.

“Our team is battling sickness and injuries,” said PDS sophomore guard Jennings. “We were really down today so we had to come out play hard, play aggressive, and try to play to our best abilities.”

The Panthers played hard in the second quarter against North Brunswick, outscoring the Raiders 18-13 to build a 34-28 halftime lead. more

February 19, 2025

STANDING TALL: Princeton University men’s lacrosse goalie Ryan Croddick guards the crease last Saturday against Penn State as the Tigers opened their 2025 campaign. Junior Croddick, a former Hun School standout, made 21 saves in his first college start to help No. 5 Princeton edge the No. 10 Nittany Lions 11-10 in overtime. Croddick’s 21 saves set a program record for a first-time starter. The Tigers will be hosting No. 2 Maryland (3-0) on February 22. (Photo by Ben Amtsberg, provided courtesy of PU Athletics)

By Justin Feil

Ryan Croddick’s record-setting performance in the season opener last Saturday answered one of the biggest questions facing the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team.

The junior goalie made 21 saves in his first collegiate start last Saturday to help the No. 5 Tigers win their clash at No. 10 Penn State, 11-10, in overtime.

“It feels great,” said Croddick, whose 21-save effort set a program record for a first-time starter. “I think I lost a couple of years off my life during that game, but it was great. It was a big test early to start with a Big 10 opponent, which we haven’t done in a long time, but it was a great test to start the season and we came out with a win, so it was even better.” more

GOOD DAY: Princeton University women’s basketball player Amelia Osgood defends a foe in action last season. Last Saturday, guard Osgood came up big on her Senior Night, scoring a game-high and career-high 13 points to help Princeton defeat Yale 71-42. The Tigers, now 18-5 overall, 9-1 Ivy League, host Columbia (18-5 overall, 9-1 Ivy) in a first-place showdown on February 22. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Amelia Osgood couldn’t stop smiling last Saturday as she reflected on her Senior Night for the Princeton University women’s basketball team.

After Osgood and her four classmates, Parker Hill, Paige Morton, Katie Thiers, and Adaora Nwokeji, were honored in a pregame ceremony, the quintet started the game against Yale and promptly reeled off a 12-0 run. The Tigers never looked back as they cruised to a 71-42 win over the Bulldogs before a crowd of 1,254 on hand at Jadwin Gym, improving to 18-5 overall, 9-1 Ivy League. more

STICKING WITH IT: Princeton University women’s hockey goalie Jen Olnowich sticks aside a shot in recent action. Last Friday, senior Olnowich made 22 saves to help Princeton defeat Union 2-1 in overtime. The Tigers, who lost 4-3 to RPI on Saturday in moving to 17-10-2 overall and 11-9-2 ECAC Hockey, are next in action when they compete in the ECACH Women’s Hockey Championship. Princeton is seeded seventh and will host 10th-seeded RPI in a single-elimination opening round contest on February 21. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

By Bill Alden

Princeton University women’s hockey goalie Jen Olnowich was wearing a white sweater adorned with red hearts to celebrate Valentine’s Day as she came to Hobey Baker Rink last Friday evening.

Olnowich’s attire was also appropriate as she and her fellow seniors were being shown affection over the weekend as the Tigers played their final regular season home games of the 2024-25 campaign. more

SHARK ATTACK: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Katie Sharkey passes the ball last Wednesday as PHS hosted Notre Dame in the Colonial Valley Conference (CVC) Tournament semifinals. Junior Sharkey scored a team-high 16 points in the game but it wasn’t enough as second-seeded PHS fell 49-45 to third-seeded and eventual champion Notre Dame. The Tigers, now 16-7, play at South Brunswick on February 19, host Steinert on February 21, and play at Bordentown on February 24 before starting action in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) state tournament. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Katie Sharkey has shouldered more responsibility this winter in her junior season for the Princeton High girls’ basketball team.

“I have gotten used to getting my hands on the ball, I am more confident with that which has been fun,” said Sharkey. “Also being a captain I have had more of a leadership role, that obviously helps with confidence too.” more

NO DOUBTING THOMAS: Hun School girls’ basketball CeeJay Thomas drives to the hoop last Saturday as Hun faced Mercersburg Academy (Pa.) the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) Tournament semifinals. Senior forward Thomas scored five points and grabbed nine rebounds to helped second-seeded Hun edge third-seeded Mercersburg 49-47 in the contest. A day later, the Raiders fell 85-38 to top-seeded Blair Academy in the MAPL final to end the winter with a 23-6 record. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

By Bill Alden

The emotions swirled for CeeJay Thomas as the Hun School girls’ basketball team hosted Peddle last Thursday in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) Tournament quarterfinals.

“It was a little bittersweet knowing this was my last time with this team on this court,” said senior forward Thomas. “I wanted to give it my all.”

Asserting herself in the paint, senior forward Thomas gave Hun a lift, scoring four points as Hun reeled off a 19-0 run to begin the game. more

By Bill Alden

When the Hun School boys’ basketball team hosted Peddie in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) quarterfinals last Thursday, Seth Clarke spent some of the first half lying on the ground, using a foam roller to deal with some lower back pain.

But when Hun junior forward Clarke was on the court in the first half, he sparked the fourth-seeded Raiders, scoring 15 points as they jumped out to a 40-28 lead over the fifth-seeded Panthers, overcoming an early 11-3 deficit.

“It was rough going down, we fought through adversity, kept our heads up and did what we had to do,” said Clarke. “My boys trusted me and I trust in God. It worked out.” more

CREASE CONTROL: Princeton Day School girls’ hockey goalie Kelly Stevens guards the post in action this winter. Last Thursday, junior goalie Stevens made nine saves to help PDS defeat Oak Knoll 7-0 in the Librera Cup final. The Panthers, now 10-2-1, play Kent Place on February 19 at the RWJBarnabas Hockey House in Newark before starting play next week in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) state tournament. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though the Princeton Day School girls’ hockey team started the winter short-handed with just nine skaters and one goalie, Jamie Davis was confident that his squad could do some big things.

Noting that two key players, forwards Eibhleann Knox and Brynn Dandy, were slated to return from injury in the new year, PDS head coach Davis believed that things would come together by the time the Panthers got into postseason action. more

February 12, 2025

BURNING BRIGHT: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Colin Burns heads to goal in a game last season. Sophomore attacker Burns, who tallied 26 goals and nine assists last spring, is poised to be even more productive this season. No. 5 Princeton starts its 2025 campaign by playing at No. 10 Penn State (2-0) on February 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team heads into its 2025 campaign, its senior group is looking to come full circle.

“It is a hungry group, it is a senior group that has lived their life the right way,” said Princeton head coach Matt Madalon. “They experienced the Final 4 early on as freshmen, and they have been fighting their tails off to get back there.” more

CAREER DAY: Princeton University women’s basketball player Ashley Chea dribbles upcourt in a game last year. Last Saturday, sophomore guard Chea scored a career-high 25 points as Princeton defeated Penn 74-60. Chea was later named the Ivy League Player of the Week. The Tigers, now 16-5 overall and 7-1 Ivy League, host Brown own February 14 and Yale on February 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton University women’s basketball team hosting Penn last Saturday afternoon and attracting a throng as it held its annual celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Ashley Chea drew special inspiration.

“It means everything to me, I was that girl once,” said Princeton sophomore guard Chea, reflecting on the event that resulted in a crowd of 2,631 at Jadwin Gym, including hundreds of young girls.
“I am just super incredibly grateful to be in the spot that I am and to be around incredible people. I hope that all of these girls see that. I hope that they know they can do that as well.” more