December 14, 2022

Sparked by Mitchell’s All-Around Performance, Princeton Women’s Basketball Defeats Delaware

STANDING TALL: Princeton University women’s basketball player Ellie Mitchell, right, pressures a foe in recent action. Last Sunday, junior forward Mitchell tallied 10 points with nine rebounds and five assists to help Princeton defeat Delaware 62-47. The Tigers, now 6-3, play at Rutgers on December 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Last Thursday night, Ellie Mitchell helped the Princeton University women’s basketball team put a scare into perennial national power Connecticut.

Playing at UConn’s Gampel Pavilion before a crowd of 8,731, Princeton forced 27 turnovers and went on a late 21-8 run to cut the Huskies’ lead to 66-64 before succumbing 69-64.

“That was super cool; we gave them a great game, obviously it didn’t end up the way we wanted but we had it down the wire,” said junior forward Mitchell, who had three points, nine rebounds, four steals, and two assists in the defeat. “I think they were nervous, we came up with some great plays. We played a great game. We didn’t shoot super well but we fought the entire time. It was an incredible atmosphere. Obviously we wanted to win, but we are proud of the effort. We almost had them.”

Back at home in Jadwin Gym three days later to host Delaware, Princeton had it going as it topped the Blue Hens 62-47, improving to 6-3.

“We wanted to redeem ourselves, losing always stinks, no matter who you are playing,” said Mitchell, a 6’1 native of Chevy Chase, Md.  more

While PU Wrestling Falls 17-16 to Rutgers on Tiebreaker, Coles Provides Highlight with Breakout Win at 141 Pounds

BURNING COLES: Princeton University wrestler Danny Coles, right, controls a foe in a match last season. This past Sunday, sophomore Coles edged No. 8 Sammy Alvarez 4-3 at 141 pounds as Princeton battled Rutgers. The teams were tied 16-16 after the 10 bouts with each winning five and none of the matches being decided by falls, forfeits, defaults or disqualifications. That sent the match to the third criteria, total points scored, and Rutgers had a 42-39 edge to win 17-16 on the criteria point. Coles was later named the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) Wrestler of the Week, standing out as the only unranked wrestler to top a ranked foe in the matchup. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Chris Ayres has different parts to his job as head coach of the Princeton University wrestling team, but one thing stands out for him.

It’s the chance to help a wrestler develop to reach another level.

“It’s every day what I live for,” said Ayres. “I do a lot of stuff in my job — like fundraising and recruiting — but my favorite thing is trying to push those buttons to figure out how a guy makes a breakthrough. I think it’s all of our coaches’ favorite thing. Our guys were all the best kids in high school, and it’s trying to figure out how to unlock them and make them be the best they can be in college. And it’s not like a linear gradual gain, it’s a big jump. You have a mental shift where you’re like here’s where I am.”

The Tigers staff saw one such jump Sunday. Despite a loss to InterMat No. 17 Rutgers on tie-breaking criteria points after Princeton tied them with five match wins apiece, the Tigers had something to build on with a win at 141 pounds from Danny Coles [The teams were tied 16-16 after the 10 bouts with none of the matches being decided by falls, forfeits, defaults, or disqualifications. That sent the match to the third criteria, total points scored, and Rutgers had a 42-39 edge to win 17-16 on the criteria point.] Princeton’s InterMat-ranked trio of Patrick Glory, Quincy Monday, and Luke Stout all won as expected along with Blaine Bergey at 165 pounds, but Coles had the most significant win of the day.

The teams were tied 16-16 after the 10 bouts with each winning five and none of the matches being decided by falls, forfeits, defaults, or disqualifications. That sent the match to the third criteria, total points scored, and Rutgers had a 42-39 edge to win 17-16 on the criteria point.

The Canadian native was the only wrestler on either team to upset an InterMat-ranked opponent. Coles scored a first-period takedown and a last-period escape in a 4-3 win over eighth-ranked Sammy Alvarez at 141 pounds.  more

Posting Weekend Sweep Heading into Break, PU Men’s Hockey Seeing Hard Work Pay Off

ON A ROLL: Princeton University men’s hockey player Pito Walton goes after the puck in recent action. Last Saturday, senior defenseman and team captain Walton picked up three assists to help Princeton edge RPI 6-5. Walton was later named as the ECAC Hockey Defender of the Week for his performance over the weekend which also included a strong effort on Friday as the Tigers blanked Union 2-0. Princeton, now 6-7 overall and 5-6 ECACH, is on break until it plays a two-game set at Colorado College on December 30 and 31. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In losing six of its eight first games this season, the Princeton University men’s hockey team played its foes tight but had trouble getting over the hump in close games.

While the defeats stung, Princeton head coach Ron Fogarty wasn’t discouraged by the early stumbles.

“I was happy with where our team was moving towards in our style of play,” said Fogarty. “The loss against Colgate in overtime (3-2 on November 5) was tough but we were playing well. We just didn’t get the results.”

But starting with a 5-1 win over No. 20 RIT on November 26, Princeton has been getting the results since Thanksgiving. Putting together its best weekend of the season, Princeton defeated Union 2-0 last Friday and then edged RPI 6-5 a night later.

“It is very difficult to sweep in our conference, no matter who you are,” said Fogarty. more

Boasting Promising Newcomers, Battle-Tested Veterans, PHS Girls’ Hoops Sees Up-Tempo Style as Key to Success

SURE SHOT: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Rachel Luo puts up a shot in a game last winter. Coming off a superb junior season, senior guard Luo figures to be a key performer for PHS this winter. The Tigers tip off their 2022-23 season by playing at Princeton Day School on December 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Boasting a blend of newcomers and some battle-tested veterans, there is a sense of optimism around the Princeton High girls’ basketball team heading into the 2022-23 season.

“We have a lot of new faces,” said PHS head coach Dave Kosa, who guided PHS to a 10-11 record last winter. “They are really jelling with one another, we are excited. There are a couple of freshmen that are going to play a lot of minutes, I think they are ready for it. They are pretty talented. It is good that we are going to be young and hungry.”

It is also good for Kosa to have senior Rachel Luo, junior Riley Devlin, and junior Ava Caruso returning in the backcourt.

“We thrust Rachel into the point guard role last year and she wasn’t really ready for it,” said Kosa. “I think this year we are going to do it more by committee. Riley can play it, Rachel can play it, and Ava can play it. Those are the three guards that will be handling the ball for us.”

Two new faces, freshman Sephora Romain and sophomore transfer Gianna Grippo, should see action at guard.

“Sephora is super athletic, she is going to add a lot of quickness,” said Kosa. “She might be in the mix as the season wears on. Gianna transferred from Bridgewater — she might see some minutes as well. It provides us with depth.”

Junior forward Gabby Bannett provides experience and versatility. more

Featuring an Infusion of Young Talent, PDS Girls’ Hoops Looking Competitive

PAIGE ONE: Princeton Day School girls’ basektball player Paige Gardner fires a pass in a game last season. Senior guard Gardner, who also stars in lacrosse, brings athleticism to the backcourt for PDS. The Panthers will be tipping off their 2021-22 campaign by hosting crosstown rival Princeton High on December 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton Day School girls’ basketball team has hit the court for the preseason, Seraphine Hamilton likes the mindset and versatility she is seeing from her players.

“We have a more competitive group and a lot of talent,” said PDS head coach Hamilton, who guided PDS to a 5-13 record last winter. “We are pretty fluid, everybody plays everything.”

The Panthers are getting an infusion of talent with the arrival of four freshmen — Ella McLaren, Jules Hartman, Makayla Rondinelli, and Sophie Barber.

“Ella and Jules bring a lot of the similar things to the basketball court that they bring on the soccer field,” said Hamilton, whose team will host Princeton High on December 15 in its season opener. “Jules is really composed and makes great decisions under pressure. Ella is attack-oriented and athletic. Mikayla and Sophia come fresh off of their AAU season — they are ballers. That is a good addition.”

The return of senior guard Paige Gardner, who stars in lacrosse and has committed to attend Fairfield University and play for its women’s lacrosse program, brings athleticism to the Panther backcourt.

“I have coached her all four years in basketball; she was a little peanut when she was a freshman and now she is an athletic presence,” said Hamilton. “She has grown; she is a D-I athlete on the court and she knows how to cut across the court from lacrosse. Our offense lends itself to the way that she can play.” more

Taking Lessons from Tournament Losses Last Year, PDS Boys’ Hoops Emphasizing Scrappy Mentality

BOUNCE IN HIS STEP: Princeton Day School boys’ basketball player Mason McQueen dribbles the ball in a game last winter. Senior guard McQueen’s energy helped spark PDS to the Prep B state final last season. The Panthers start their 2022-23 campaign by hosting WW/P-North on December 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As Eugene Burroughs looks ahead to the upcoming season for his Princeton Day School boys’ basketball team, he believes two tournament losses last winter have positively impacted his returning players.

While PDS fell to Trenton Catholic Academy 50-43 in the opening round of the Mercer County Tournament and then lost 69-59 to Doane Academy in the Prep B state final, Burroughs saw those performances as a turning point.

“I think our game at TCA was a moment where I felt our team realized how hard we have to play,” said PDS head coach Burroughs, whose team went 5-13 in 2021-22. “We really competed with a lot of energy; I told them after that game this is the standard of how we have to play. The Doane game was another game where I felt like we played as a team at a high level. It was a physical game, we competed. Having returning kids who have experienced that is a great carryover for them this year. I feel that those guys all have improved their skill set as players. When you have that with the chemistry that our returning guys have, I think you are heading in the right direction.”

As his team has gone through preseason practices, Burroughs is seeing a carryover of intensity.

“Our energy has been great in the preseason, the best it has been since I have been here,” said Burroughs, who is in his third year guiding the program. “I feel my returning players have really just turned the corner on my expectations of them as players with our ability to move the ball on offense and rotate on defense.” more

Although Winning Streak Snapped by Holy Ghost, Hun Boys’ Hockey Still Confident Going Forward

SWOOPING IN: Hun School boys’ hockey player Elian Estulin, left, tracks down a puck in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, senior star and team captain Estulin picked up two assists in a losing cause as Hun fell 7-3 to Holy Ghost Prep (Pa.). In upcoming action, the Raiders, now 5-4, play at LaSalle College High (Pa.) on December 14 and get a rematch at Holy Ghost Prep (Pa.) on December 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Riding a three-game winning streak, outscoring its foes 25-0 in that stretch, the Hun School boys’ hockey team was rolling as it hosted Holy Ghost Prep (Pa.) last Friday evening at the Ice Land Skating Center.

Midway through the second period, it looked like the good times were going to keep coming as Hun took 3-1 lead on Justin Laplante’s second goal of the contest.

Hun head coach Ian McNally liked where his team’s mentality was as it had overcome an early 1-0 deficit against Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference (APAC) rival Holy Ghost with two straight goals in a 50 second span late in the first period to take a 2-1 lead.

“Things were going good so I think the mindset coming into this was more like things are good right now rather than we are playing Ghost,” said McNally. “We didn’t start that well but we responded by scoring goals.”

Unfortunately for the Raiders, Holy Ghost responded with four unanswered goals in the last eight minutes of the second period and never looked back on the way to a 7-3 win. more

With Transfer Kelly Finding a Comfort Level, Hun Boys’ Hoops Heading in Right Direction

MAC ATTACK: Hun School boys’ basketball player Mac Kelly drives to the basket in recent action. Last Wednesday, junior guard Kelly scored 28 points, including 24 in the second half, to help Hun defeat Pennington. The Raiders, who defeated Peddie 70-59 in a third-place game at the Peddie School Invitational Tournament last Sunday in improving to 5-3, host the Life Center Academy on December 15 in its last action before the holiday break. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming from Long Island this fall to join the Hun School boys’ hoops team, Mac Kelly took a while to get up to speed.

“Early on, it is nerve-wracking, it is different,” said Kelly, a 6’1 native of Mineola, N.Y. “The level of play is higher. I have been able to adjust to it and grow. I think now I feel I am right in there. There are no more nerves which is big.”

Last Wednesday as Hun hosted Pennington, Kelly displayed his growth, tallying 28 points, including 24 in the second half, to help the Raiders pull away to a 90-68 victory.

With Hun clinging to a 33-32 halftime lead and missing several players due to injury and illness, Kelly was ready to take things to another level in the second half.

“I came into the locker room at halftime, I knew I had to step it up,” said Kelly. “It was a tight game.” more

December 7, 2022

After Riding the Bench Last Winter for PU Women’s Hoops, Sophomore Morton Emerging as a Key Performer for Tigers

TURNING THE PAIGE: Princeton University women’s basketball player Paige Morton handles the ball in the paint in a game earlier this season. Last Monday, sophomore forward Morton tallied six points to help Princeton defeat Towson. After playing just six minutes a game off the bench last season, Morton has emerged as a key contributor for the Tigers this winter, averaging 6.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in starting all seven games. Princeton, now 5-2, plays at UConn on December 8 before hosting Delaware on December 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

In an unlikely twist, Paige Morton will be the best Paige on the court when the Princeton University women’s basketball team plays at UConn’s Gampel Pavilion on Thursday.

UConn star Paige Bueckers is out for the season after tearing her ACL in August while Morton has made a big move in her second year at Princeton. The sophomore forward has started every game for the Tigers after playing just six minutes per game in her first year.

“It’s definitely been a change since last year,” said Morton. “My teammates have been really supportive and they make me feel confident out there. They always have my back. That’s been something that’s really been helpful for me as I take on a new role.”

Morton has given the Tigers some versatility with the ability to use her 6’3 size to go bigger this year, something they didn’t use last year as much following the graduation of Bella Alarie and Taylor Baur in 2020. Morton’s improvements since last year landed her in the starting lineup from the outset of the season.

“Paige has a really great skill set,” said Princeton head coach Carla Berube. “She’s got a great frame. She’s able to step out a little bit and hit some mid-range jumpers. She has a lot of different finishes on the inside, which keeps the defense back on their heels. She’s strong and gotten stronger and more confident. She’s playing with a little more aggressiveness than she did last year. I think she understands the college game a little more than she did her first year. She’s been really, really important at the beginning of the season. And the whole fall she was one of our best players in practice every day. That’s why she earned the starting nod.” more

Getting Key Contributions from Stellar Freshmen Crew, Tiger Men’s Hoops On a Roll with Six Straight Victories

FRESH APPROACH: Princeton University men’s basketball player Jack Scott puts up a layup in recent action. Last Wednesday, freshman guard and former Hun School standout Scott tallied a team-high 13 points with nine rebounds and four assists in 23 minutes off the bench as Princeton routed Division III Cairn 92-58. The Tigers, who topped Drexel 83-63 last Saturday to improve to 6-2, host Monmouth on December 10 before facing Iona on December 13 at Kean University. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Mitch Henderson sensed that his crew of freshmen could make a big impact this winter as they started their careers for the Princeton University men’s basketball team.

“It is a very competitive young group, very competitive,” said Princeton head coach Henderson. “That is really good for everybody because it just raises the level.”

Last Wednesday, two of those prized newcomers, Jack Scott and Caden Pierce, starred as Princeton routed Division III Cairn 92-58. Guard Scott tallied a career-high and team-high 13 points with nine rebounds and four assists in 23 minutes off the bench while starting forward Pierce contributed a career-high nine points, four rebounds, and a blocked shot.

Scott, for his part, was ready to compete when he got the call against Cairn.

“I got a chance to go in there so whenever my name is called, I just try to go as hard as I can and make the most out of the opportunity,” said Scott, a 6’6, 197-pound resident of Denver, Colo. “That is what I tried to do, I thought we played really well.” more

With Freshman Forward Jacobs Catching Fire, PU Men’s Hockey Heating Up, Winning 2 of Last 3

JACOBS LADDER: Princeton University men’s hockey player David Jacobs goes after the puck in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, freshman forward Jacobs tallied a goal and an assist in a losing cause as a late Princeton rally fell short in a 5-4 loss to St. Lawrence. The Tigers, now 4-7 overall and 3-6 ECAC Hockey, host Union on December 9 and RPI on December 10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It took a while for David Jacobs to start producing this winter in his freshman season on the Princeton University men’s hockey team.

Though the first eight games of his college career, Jacobs had just one assist. But catching fire after Thanksgiving, he has tallied two goals and two assists in his last three appearances.

“I think it is just growing every day and trying to get more and more comfortable out there,” said Jacobs, a 5’10, 180-pound native of Needham, Mass. “I have great teammates so it is great playing with them. We work hard every practice and I am just trying to get better every day.”

Last Saturday, Jacobs displayed his growth, getting a goal and an assist in a losing cause as a late Princeton rally fell short in a 5-4 loss to St. Lawrence.

The Tigers jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a goal by Nick Seitz then fell behind 2-1 early in the second period. Jacobs evened up the game at 2-2, blasting a one-timer into the back of the net with 11:08 left in the second period. The Saints responded with three unanswered goals to lead 5-2 midway through the third period. After St. Lawrence got hit with a five-minute major penalty, the Tigers scored two goals to narrow the gap to 5-4 but couldn’t get any closer as they moved to 4-7 overall and 3-6 ECAC Hockey. more

PU Wrestler Monday Determined to Leave Legacy, Applying Lessons Learned from Run to NCAA Final

WINNING THE DAY: Princeton University wrestler Quincy Monday, top, controls a foe in a match last season. Senior star Monday, who advanced to the NCAA final last March at 157 pounds, is primed for a big final campaign with the Tigers. Last Sunday, Monday, ranked No. 1 nationally at 157, posted a 5-0 win over No. 15 Chase Saldate of Michigan State in the Garden State Grapple at the Prudential Center in Newark. The Tigers, who fell 38-3 to Wisconsin and 21-15 to Michigan State in the event, to move to 0-3, host Rutgers on December 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In his debut season for the Princeton University wrestling team in 2018-19, Quincy Monday qualified for the NCAA championships at 157 pounds but the trip to Pittsburgh turned out to be a downer.

With his inexperience showing, Monday lost all of his matches. Looking for redemption, Monday made the NCAAs as a sophomore and was seeded fifth but didn’t get to compete as the event was canceled as a result of the global pandemic. In 2021, Monday had no chance to make the NCAAs as the Ivy League scrapped its winter season due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns.

Those disappointments fueled Monday’s motivation as he competed last winter.

“To have that get canceled and not get that chance and get a win and do my thing at nationals set a fire under me for sure,” said Monday, who won his first Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) title on the way to qualifying for the NCAA championships

Once in Detroit for the NCAAs, a fired-up Monday got some redemption, making it to the final where he fell 9-2 to Northwestern’s Ryan Deakin.

“It was just really exciting, I was grateful to be there and be able to be at nationals and get rolling,” said Monday, who was joined in the finals by classmate Patrick Glory, who made it at 125, giving Princeton its first two NCAA finalists since 2002. “We had a lot of energy and momentum going into it, being able to have that opportunity to be able to go back and compete.” more

Johnson Excited To Take Helm of PHS Boys’ Hockey, Believes Tigers Can Build on Last Season’s Success

DOWN LOW: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Cooper Zullo skates around a goalie in action last season. Senior star forward and captain Zullo is primed for a big final campaign. PHS opens its season by facing Notre Dame on December 12 at the Mercer County Park rink. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Rik Johnson underwent a trial by fire last winter when he joined the Princeton High boys’ hockey program as an assistant coach.

“It was exciting, at first I was a little apprehensive,” said Johnson, who had played for the Monmouth University club hockey team and in men’s leagues but had never coached before. “I observed and I was able to learn a lot different ways to approach things.”

This season, Johnson will be getting the chance to apply those lessons as he is taking the helm of the PHS program, succeeding head coach Dave Hansen.

“There is a learning curve for sure, learning everything you need to know as the head coach,” said Johnson. “My personal philosophy is for the players to try not to make the same mistake twice. Three, four practices in now, we are trying to scratch those off the list. I am trying different things out, seeing what works.”

The PHS players are responding well to their new leader.

“Brian (PHS Athletic Director Brain Dzbenski) said he was looking for somebody from a head  coaching perspective that was going to be around so there was continuity for the kids,” said Johnson, who is taking over a program that went 16-5-3 last winter and advanced to the Mercer County Tournament final. “It is positive, they are great kids, they are helpful. It is great roster, we have got 15 returning players.”

Johnson is expecting a great senior year from star forward and captain Cooper Zullo (39 goals, 32 assists in 2021-22).

“Cooper is doing his thing, he is doing a great job as a leader,” said Johnson. “He is going to be our captain again this year. He is great with ushering in the new kids and leading the group. I think last year was a little bit of a shock to him when he was named captain; that caught him off guard, but he grew into it. He is so good. The one thing I added last year in working with him was hit the net. He has improved on that.” more

After PHS Swim Teams Dominated Last Winter, Tigers Primed to Keep Rolling in 2022-23 Season

HEY BRO: Princeton High boys’ swimmer David Brophy displays his freestyle form in a race last season. Sophomore Brophy figures to be a key contributor for the Titers this fall. PHS starts its 2022-23 campaign with a meet at Steinert on December 8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Featuring depth, talent, and a positive chemistry, the Princeton High boys’ and girls’ swimming teams both produced dominant performances last winter.

Each squad placed first in the Mercer County championship meet with the boys going on to win the Public B Central Jersey sectional title and making it to the Public B state final on the way to a 14-1 record. The girls, for their part, went 11-1, advancing to the North 2 Group B sectional semis.

Heading into the 2022-23 campaign, PHS head coach Carly Misiewicz knows that her boys’ squad will have a bull’s eye on it.

“Something I stressed to them at the beginning of the season was that the target is definitely on our back this year,” said Misiewicz. “There is that pressure, if you want to call it that, to repeat.”

Buoyed by its upbeat mentality and bonds among the swimmers, Misiewicz believes the squad will be unfazed by such pressure.

“I think the guys are more than willing and up to the challenge,” said Misiewicz. “They are such a good group. They mesh so well, they all get along with each other so well. They are really the definition and the perfect version of whatever I could ask for in a team with the way they treat each other and the way they all talk to each other. They hang out with each other outside of their swimming.” more

With DeSimone Moving into Head Coaching Role, It Should be Business as Usual for PDS Girls’ Hockey

CHASING SUCCESS: Princeton Day School girls’ hockey player Lauren Chase brings the puck up the ice in action last winter. Senior defenseman Chase is poised for a big final campaign for the Panthers. PDS hosts Cranford on December 9 in its season opener. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Julie DeSimone is confident that the Princeton Day School girls’ hockey team won’t miss a beat as she takes the helm of the program.

Having served as an assistant coach for PDS over the last four seasons, DeSimone brings continuity as she succeeds previous head coach John Ritchie.

“We have such a good coaching team and even under John, it was so collaborative, it didn’t feel like there was hard, fast hierarchy,” said DeSimone. “It was a nice transition, just continuing to work with Mike [Adams] and Jaimie [Davis] and having Shavonne [Leacy] on board as well. That has been a huge advantage, she has been fitting in really well. We have all always divided and conquered. We are just continuing that model that was set up under John. We were kind of a united force, I don’t think it has been that big of a shift.”

DeSimone and her staff are determined to keep the program on the winning track that saw it go 14-6 last winter, capturing the Prep state title and advancing to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) state final in the process.

“We are really happy with how we ended the season last year and we want to keep building on that success,” said DeSimone. “It was really fun. We are really happy about how we built the program and the success we have had over the last few years. The returning players are definitely excited to get back to competing against those teams we played last year and what we did. We are well-positioned to do that again.” more

Stuart Basketball Getting Back to Basics As Bowman Returns for 2nd Stint as Coach

CHASING SUCCESS: Princeton Day School girls’ hockey player Lauren Chase brings the puck up the ice in action last winter. Senior defenseman Chase is poised for a big final campaign for the Panthers. PDS hosts Cranford on December 9 in its season opener. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though Tony Bowman just retired after a long career as an investigator with the N.J. Department of Gaming Enforcement, he is not taking it easy.

Instead, Bowman is keeping busy by starting a return engagement as the head coach of the Stuart Country Day School basketball team, a program he previously guided from 2003-11.

“It has been different; when I got there last time I had like 14, 15 girls,” said Bowman, who is taking over a team that went 8-8 last winter. “I had a few more basketball players and I had more multi-sport athletes. I don’t have that this time, either the numbers and that kind of athlete. Right now, I have nine players.”

As he tries to get the most out of his scrappy band of players, he is going back to basics.

“I am focusing on fundamentals, teaching basketball and making sure everybody is on the same page,” said Bowman. “My ideal is to make the players that are good to get better and the ones that are just learning basketball to be better than what they were when they got started. That is what I am doing.” more

November 30, 2022

Pozaric Delivers OT Game-Winner Against Fordham as PU Men’s Water Polo Advances in NCAA Tourney

MAKING A SPLASH: Princeton University men’s water polo player Roko Pozaric fires the ball last Saturday as Princeton hosted Fordham in an NCAA tournament opening round contest. Sophomore star Pozaric tallied the winning goal in the second overtime as Princeton prevailed 11-10. The Tigers, now 27-5, will face third-ranked Southern California (18-6) in the next round of the NCAA tournament on December 1 in Berkeley, Calif. The victor of that matchup will face UCLA in a semifinal contest on December 3 at Berkeley. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Roko Pozaric has scored a few big goals in his young water polo career, but his latest one came in a big moment on a huge stage.

The Princeton University men’s water polo sophomore star scored the game-winner to help the Tigers edge then-No. 3 Stanford 11-10 in a regular season contest on October 23. Pozaric had a big goal in his native Croatia’s junior national championships a year before he came to Princeton. And Saturday, he scored the game-winner with three seconds left in the second overtime to lift Princeton to an 11-10 win over Fordham in the NCAA tournament opener at DeNunzio Pool.

“This,” said Pozaric, “is definitely the most important game so far that I scored the deciding goal in.”

The victory sends Princeton up against third-ranked Southern California (18-6) in the next round of the NCAA tournament on December 1 at the Spieker Aquatics Complex in Berkeley, Calif. The Tigers are 27-5 and carry confidence into the matchup even though they will be underdogs to everyone outside of the program’s minds. The victor of that matchup will face UCLA in a semifinal contest on December 3 at the Spieker pool.

 more

After Making it to NCAA Wrestling Final Last Season, PU Senior Star Glory Determined to Take the Next Step

LAST SHOT AT GLORY: Princeton University wrestler Patrick Glory, top, controls a foe in a bout last season. Senior star Glory, who advanced to the NCAA final at 125 pounds last March, is primed to produce a big final campaign for the Tigers. Glory, who won the title at 125 in the Princeton Open earlier this month, is slated to be back on the mat this Sunday as the Tigers have duals against Michigan State and Wisconsin at the Prudential Center in Newark. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Patrick Glory was miserable as he took in the 2021 NCAA Wrestling Championships from his living room.

“Sitting and watching the NCAA tournament on the couch in the middle of the COVID in that 2021 year was really hard,” said Princeton University wrestling star Glory, who had competed in the 2019 NCAA Championships as freshman, taking sixth at 125 pounds.

“I had a lot of really long conversations with the coaches and just being like hey man, this is awful, this is really hard to watch. Your prime kind of going by and there is nothing really to do about it.”

 more

Fall Review: PDS Cross Country’s McCann, Hun Football QB Lainez Earn the Nod as Town Topics’ Leading Fall Performers

AHEAD OF THE PACK: Princeton Day School girls’ cross country runner Emily McCann displays her form in a race this fall. Junior star McCann had a breakthrough season for PDS, placing first in both the XC Fall Classic at Thompson Park and the Jerry Hart Cross Country Invitational, third in the Mercer County Championships, fourth at the New Balance Shore Coaches Invitational, and 13th in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public A group meet. She capped her stellar campaign by taking second in the Prep B state championship meet, pacing the PDS girls’ program to its first-ever Prep team title. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Emily McCann hit the road this summer as she looked to take things to a higher level this season for the Princeton Day School girls’ cross country team.

Junior McCann ramped up her weekly running mileage like never before in her preseason training.

“This summer, I put in a lot of miles,” said McCann, who also stars in ice hockey for the Panthers. “Last year I didn’t have a training plan. This summer, I had a specific training plan and basically I crossed off mileage every day and got up to 50 miles per week and an 11-mile long run, which was the longest. It wasn’t a lot of workouts, it was just building base mileage, and I think that’s really where I changed this year versus last.”

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After Struggling Through Bumpy Ride Last Winter, PDS Boys’ Hockey Determined to Bounce Back

GETTING UP TO SPEED: Princeton Day School boys’ hockey player Ryan Vandal races up the ice in action last season. Senior forward Vandal figures to be a key offensive contributor for the Panthers this winter. PDS opens its 2022-23 campaign by playing at Bergen Catholic on December 8 and then hosting Christian Brothers Academy on December 13. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Joining the high-powered Gordon Conference last winter and making its debut in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public state tournament, the Princeton Day School boys’ hockey team took its lumps.

PDS went 6-7-6 overall, falling 3-2 to St. John Vianney in the first round of the Non-Public state tourney to end the season on a down note.

As the Panthers have hit the ice to prepare for the 2022-23 campaign, they are showing a hunger to excel.

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Producing Solid Effort at Shady Side Tournament, Hun Boys’ Hockey Gets Major Jolt of Confidence

ON THE MARK: Hun School boys’ hockey player Mark Gall, right, goes after the puck in a game last season. Senior co-captain Gall has moved to defenseman this winter and has been a spark on the blue line for the Raiders. Hun, now 2-3, hosts Devon Prep (Pa.) on November 30 and the Haverford School (Pa.) on December 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Hun School boys’ hockey team headed into the Shady Side Academy (Pa.) Thanksgiving Classic last weekend, Ian McNally feared that his squad might not be up to speed.

“When people asked me in the fall, ‘how is the team going to be?’ I said I genuinely didn’t know. I am not sure, we will see,” said Hun head coach McNally. “There have been years where I know we are going to stink or we are going to be very good. This is one I wasn’t sure. I was a little worried about this week.”

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Buoyed by Inside-Out Balance, Upbeat Mentality, Hun Boys’ Basketball Primed to Excel this Winter

DAN THE MAN: Hun School boys’ basketball player Dan Vessey goes up for a shot in game last season. Post-graduate guard Vessey figures to trigger the offense for Hun this winter in his final campaign with the program. The Raiders were slated to start the 2022-23 season by playing at St. Benedict’s on November 29 before hosting the Haverford School (Pa.) on December 1 and then competing in the Coaches vs. Cancer event at the Blair Academy on December 3 and 4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although the Hun School boys’ basketball team has only been practicing for a few weeks, Jon Stone is already feeling good about his squad.

“It has been great, we are probably further along than we normally are on chemistry,” said Hun head coach Stone, who guided the Raiders to a 14-10 record last winter as it reached the semifinals of both the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) and Prep A state tournaments. “It is just a good group of guys, it has been fun.”

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With Costello Taking Helm of Hun Girls’ Basketball, Raiders Embracing Change Heading into 2022-23 Season

MO BETTER: Hun School girls’ basketball player Sasha Moise heads to the hoop in a game last season. Senior forward Moise will be counted on to provide production and leadership this winter for Hun. The Raiders tip off their 2022-23 season by playing at George School (Pa.) on November 30 and will then compete in the Peddie School Invitational Tournament from December 2-4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As Sean Costello has taken the helm of the Hun School girls’ basketball team this winter, his players are embracing change.

“It has been great, they are doing awesome,” said Costello, the successor to Bill Holup, who guided the program for 23 seasons. “It is all new. It is new system, new process, new practices, new terminology. They have been super receptive with a lot of energy.”

Costello, who previously built the Shipley School (Pa.) girls’ hoops team into a formidable program, is bringing a lot of energy to the court as well.

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Steel Curtain

Members of the Tamasi Shell Steelers are all smiles after they defeated the DZS Clinical Cardinals 35-25 in the championship game of the Princeton Junior Football League (PJFL) Seniors division (ages 11-14) earlier this month. Pictured, from left, are Eli Salganik, Langsdon Hinds, Thomas Horner, Jack Maguire, coach Jesse Lerman, Koby Smith, EJ Edwards, Jaden Brown, Coach Matt Salganik, Ryan von Roemer, Judah Lerman, Levy Meier, coach Ezra Lerman, Miles Oakman, coach Jeffery Oakman, and Haley Oakman.

Chiefs of State

Members of the Petrone Associates Chiefs enjoy the moment after they topped the Woodwinds Bengals 28-18 in the championship game of the Princeton Junior Football League (PJFL) Juniors division (ages 8-10) earlier this month. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Jax Cherian, Nate Shackney, Sam Frole, Ethan Friedlich, Corrine Lesnik, Nathan Besler, and Jagger Kapoor. In the middle row, from left, are Noah Kusminsky, Luke Branagh, Christian Barr, Hudson Hanley, Jayden Morelli, and Alexander Shah. In the back row, from left, are coaches Jim Barr, Dan Hanley, and Jon Besler.