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.”

Granozio’s shot was the opening salvo of what turned out to be a very good game for PHS as it jumped out to a 27-6 first quarter lead and never looked back on the way to a 67-48 win.

“We wanted to get out early, run and get easy buckets,” said Granozio, who ended up with six points, three assists, and two rebounds in the victory. “We have been playing well the last four games, getting off to hot starts has been big for us.”

In reflecting on the hot start against STEMCivics, Granozio saw stifling defense as a key to the PHS outburst.

“What really gets us started is our defense, just energy and juice on the defensive side of the ball,” said Granozio. “Once we get that, we can push in transition and get running. We are really good when we are running.”

With PHS up 44-14 at halftime, it was able to clear the bench and give everyone a chance to see some action.

“They put in such hard work at practice, it is awesome to see because when you have a lot of guys it is hard for everyone to get in,” said Granozio of the team’s reserves. “A day like today is awesome to see everyone with the hard work they put in.”

The Tigers have been working well as the win over STEM marked their third straight triumph.

“Towards the end of the season, we have counties and states and all of that,” said Granozio. “It is good — we are executing well and bringing energy on defense. We are making shots, that is the most important thing. I think we have good team camaraderie.”

As a battle-tested senior, Granozio has looked to enhance the team’s chemistry and execution.

“Last year we had Chris Rinaldi. He was a great point guard and I have tried to do everything I can to fill his shoes and learn from him, not only as a player but as a leader,” said Granozio. “I talk to all of the guys and try to get everyone going. When I am out there, I am just trying to help out the team in any way I can. I am always looking to make the right play, whether I have to go score or make a pass. There are a lot of guys on this team who are really talented; we know we can get a lot of open shots.”

Having emerged as a star receiver this past fall in making his debut for the PHS football team, Granozio brought some extra confidence into the basketball season.

“It takes some adjusting for sure from football season,” said Granozio. “I shot like a football player at first. Football was fun, I have definitely gotten stronger. The game is slowing down for me — it was really fast the first two years.”

As PHS heads down the stretch this winter, Granozio believes the squad has to show a strong mentality,

“When we are facing adversity, we just have to come back and learn from it,” said Granozio. “When things are going well as they were today it is easy to have fun, but we have to do that in in the hard times.”

PHS head coach Pat Noone had fun watching his squad click on all cylinders against STEMCivics.

“We needed that one,” said Noone, who got 20 points from sophomore reserve guard Michael Bess Jr. in the win with senior stars Jahan Owusu and Jihad Wilder chipping in 11 and six points, respectively. “We have got a little something going there. It is a good time to hit your stride, that is what you are aiming for.”

Noone believes the Tigers are hitting their stride as they look forward to postseason play.

“The ball is moving, the defense is playing real good,” said Noone. “We are playing as five, which is really, really good. We are hitting shots, we are playing a little quicker. They are a little more confident. It is that time of the year. Knock on wood, every year we have always gotten better.”

Noone credits Granozio with helping to trigger that ball movement.

“Remmick really turned a corner when he started not relying on his three,” said Noone. “We moved him on ball as point guard so he is moving. Everything is going a little quicker with a little less thinking and a lot more success.”

The play of Owusu and Wilder has been another key factor in the recent success of the Tigers.

“Jahan is going to be close to a first team All-CVC player,” said Noone of Owusu who is averaging 16.3 points a game this season. “Jihad is starting to step into his role. He had the injury bug early and now he has got it going.”

With PHS playing at WW/P-North on February 7 and hosting Notre Dame on February 9 before starting action in the Mercer County Tournament next week, Noone believes the Tigers are primed to step up when they get into postseason action.

“You always want to peak at the end,” said Noone, whose team lost 44-34 to Delaware Valley last Monday to move to 10-9. “We have to keep making shots and play quick. Our defense is playing really well right now. We are flustering teams, we are getting teams out of what they like to do that are comfortable. It definitely leads to offense. People are going to try to zone us and we get the ball out quick and get as many buckets as we can.”

Realizing that the end of his time with the PHS hoops program is fast approaching, Granozio is savoring his final days with his teammates.

“I had this moment where I realized that I am probably not going to play in college,” said Granozio. “I just know that these are the last couple of weeks I will get to spend with guys. I love playing with them every day. It has been so much fun — I have enjoyed every moment.”