January 8, 2025

Senior Byriel Making the Most of Opportunity, Stepping Up as PU Men’s Hoops Heads into Ivy Play

PHIL IT UP: Princeton University men’s basketball player Philip Byriel puts up a shot in recent action. Last Saturday, senior forward Byriel scored a team-high 14 points to help Princeton defeat Division III Kean 92-71. The Tigers, now 11-4, start Ivy League action by playing at Harvard (5-8) on January 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Philip Byriel toiled in relative obscurity during his first three seasons on the Princeton University men’s basketball team.

The 6’9, 230-pound forward Byriel played in just 29 games off the bench during that span of 91 contests, averaging around four minutes an appearance and totaling 30 points. more

With Ma Back at Full Strength for PU Men’s Hockey, Tigers Bringing 6-6-1 Record into ECACH Homestretch

CREASE CONTROL: Princeton University men’s hockey player David Ma (No. 4) helps guard the crease in action earlier in his career. After having been sidelined last season due to injury, junior defenseman Ma has returned this winter with a bang, tallying four goals and two assists so far this winter. Princeton, which fell 4-3 to New Hampshire last Saturday to move to 6-6-1 overall, plays a home-and-home set against Quinnipiac this weekend, hosting the Bobcats on January 10 before facing them in Hamden, Conn. the next day. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

David Ma was determined to make a big impact for the Princeton University men’s hockey team this winter after being sidelined last season due to injury.

“It has been a work in progress, it was a long break,” said junior defenseman Ma. “It was a shoulder injury. Since it was my second one, I decided to take the year off because I would have missed a good amount of time with that. It was just getting it healed up, making sure I am 100 percent good to go and then coming back and joining a new group. I am excited to be here.” more

Former PU Football Star Bech Killed In New Orleans Attack, Being Remembered for Exemplifying his “Tiger” Nickname

TRUE TIGER: Tiger Bech sprints upfield during his career for the Princeton University football team. Bech ’21, a star kick returner and receiver for the Tigers in the 2016-18 seasons, was killed in the New Orleans truck attack on January 1. Members of the Princeton football program along with his friends and family are remembering Bech for exemplifying his nickname. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

Martin “Tiger” Bech electrified fans as a whirling dervish for the Princeton University football team in the 2017 and 2018 campaigns.

Utilizing his speed, elusiveness, and toughness, the 5’9, 180-pound Bech earned second-team All-Ivy League honors as a return specialist both years while developing into a key receiver. more

Featuring a Blend of Veteran Stars, New Faces, PHS Wrestling Getting Tested on a Weekly Basis

HOLDING ON: Princeton High wrestler Danny Monga, right, battles a foe in a bout last season. Last Saturday, senior Monga posted a pair of wins at 126 pounds as PHS went 0-3 in a quad, falling 54-18 to Hightstown, 42-34 to A.L. Johnson, and 54-18 to Moorestown. The Tigers, now 1-3, host Nottingham on January 8, wrestle at Hopewell Valley on January 9 and then have a quad at Hamilton West on January 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The Princeton High wrestling team features a blend of experience and new faces that it has been testing week-by-week so far this season.

The Tigers boast some well established stars like seniors Blasé Mele and Cole Rose. They have added a budding star in Forest Rose, Cole’s brother and the only freshman on their varsity. And then they have a significant group of wrestlers who are competing in their first full season of varsity action after the program graduated some and lost some past team members to other commitments. more

PDS Girls’ Hoops Produces Promising 3-3 Start, Looking Forward to Getting Into CVC Action

PASSING IT ON: Princeton Day School girls’ basketball player Nandini Kolli passes the ball in recent action. Senior forward Kolli posted a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds as PDS defeated Steinert 33-27 in the MCCC (Mercer County Community College) Showcase on December 28 in its last action of 2024. The Panthers, who improved to 3-3 with the victory, host Hopewell Valley on January 9 and Hamilton West on January 14. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For the Princeton Day School girls’ basketball team, ending 2024 by edging Steinert 33-27 in the MCCC (Mercer County Community College) Showcase was proof of concept.

“It was good, giving us confidence going into the break; it helped the girls understand the work that we are doing is paying off,” said PDS first-year head coach Pat Reddington reflecting on the December 28 contest. more

January 1, 2025

Growing Town Balances Optimism, Concerns at 2024 Year End

NEW HOTEL IN TOWN: The Graduate by Hilton Princeton, which has an entrance on Chambers Street, opened in August and doubled the number of hotel rooms in town. It is one of many new businesses that opened in 2024.(Photo by Andrew Frasz)

By Donald Gilpin and Anne Levin

In 2024 Princeton saw another year of major ongoing construction projects, accompanied by a certain amount of controversy; 15 new businesses coming to town; a sharp focus and significant progress on environmental issues; a more peaceful year than last in the Princeton Public Schools; a year of accomplishments along with a certain amount of turbulence at Princeton University; and an abundance of both hope and fear for the new year.

The opening of the Graduate by Hilton Princeton hotel and the Triumph Restaurant & Brewery, the completion of the Witherspoon Street Improvement Project in downtown Princeton, and the final stages of the Alice and Avalon Princeton construction on Harrison Street near the Princeton Shopping Center were major development milestones, and the approval of a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement with Herring Properties for construction of apartments on the former Princeton Theological Seminary property suggests that the building momentum will be continuing into 2025 and beyond.

There were demonstrations in town, most significantly in support of Princeton’s immigrant community following a July 10 raid by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, and on the Princeton University campus, where the Gaza Solidarity Encampment occupied McCosh Courtyard then Cannon Green for a total of about three weeks.

A December 19 discussion at the Nassau Presbyterian Church on “Strengthening Rights in Immigration, Healthcare, Environment, and Law,” with a panel including some of New Jersey’s leading officials, reflected both priorities and concerns that Princeton and the state carry into the coming year. more

PU, Local High School Teams Made 2024 a Topsy-Turvy Year, Creating a Slew of Highlights Along with Postseason Drama

FINAL PUSH: Princeton University women’s basketball player Ellie Mitchell pushes past a foe in a game last season. Power forward Michell was named the Ivy Defensive Player of the Year for the third time in her career and was a second-team All-Ivy choice. She ended her Tiger career with 1,125 rebounds, the most-ever at Princeton for either a men’s or women’s player. Mitchell’s gritty play was a key factor in Princeton’s success last winter as it went 25-5, winning both the Ivy regular season title and the league’s postseason tournament. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Over the course of 2024, Princeton University athletic teams and local high school sports programs produced a number of highlight moments along with some dramatic postseason near-misses.

In the winter season, the Princeton University men’s basketball team appeared to be building on the success it experienced during its magic ride to the NCAA Sweet 16 in March 2023, getting off to a 24-3 start on the way to winning its third straight Ivy League regular season crown. Things went awry, though, in the postseason as the Tigers were stunned by Brown in the Ivy tournament semis and then lost to UNLV in the first round of the NIT. The Princeton women’s hoops squad won the Ivy regular season title and tournament and seemed poised for an NCAA run. Facing West Virginia in a first-round contest, the Tigers rallied to trail by seven late in the game but ended up falling 63-53 to end the winter at 25-5. The Princeton women’s squash team brought a 12-2 record into the College Squash Association (CSA) Howe Cup final but fell short of a national title as it lost 6-2 to Trinity.

On the high school scene, the Princeton High girls’ swim team produced a dominant winter, rolling to its third consecutive Mercer County Championships title. Going for their second straight state crown, the Tigers won the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Group B sectional title and then topped Shawnee in the Group B state semis before getting edged 89-81 by fellow powerhouse Chatham in the state final. The Princeton Day School girls’ hockey went 7-3 down the stretch, winning the Librera Cup and advancing to the NJSIAA state tournament semis. The Panthers led 3-1 early in the third period against Immaculate Heart in the semifinal contest, only to fall 4-3. The PDS boys’ hockey team won their NJSIAA Non-Public first round contest and then nearly pulled the upset of the tournament as they battled eventual state champion St. Augustine tooth-and-nail before falling 3-2 in overtime. more

Overcoming Injury to Emerge as a Stalwart for PU Wrestling, Senior Star Stout Primed to End Tiger Career on a High Note

SUCCESS WITHIN HIS GRASP: Princeton University wrestler Luke Stout, top, controls a foe earlier in his Tiger career. Senior star and co-captain Stout is primed to end his final Princeton season on a high note as the Tigers get into the 2025 portion of their schedule. Princeton, now 2-4 in duals, hosts West Virginia on January 4 at Jadwin Gym. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Luke Stout can appreciate his achievements in his first three years for the Princeton University wrestling team.

The senior at 197 pounds has been a steady contributor in the Tigers lineup since freshman year and qualified each season for the NCAA Championships. more

Tall Raises Her Game with Double-Double As PU Women’s Hoops Tops Middle Tennessee

TALL TALE: Princeton University women’s basketball player Fadima Tall looks to pass through the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Sunday, sophomore guard/forward Tall recorded a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds, both career-highs, as the Tigers rolled to a 64-51 victory over Middle Tennessee State. Princeton, which improved to 8-4 with the win, was slated to host LeMoyne on December 31 and then start Ivy League play by hosting Cornell on January 4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Fadima Tall realized that she would have to raise her game this winter for the Princeton University women’s basketball team when star guard Madison St Rose went down for the season in November due to a knee injury.

“Personally, I know that I have to contribute more, not only rebounding-wise but offensively,” said sophomore guard/forward Tall, a 6’0 native of Silver Spring, Md. “That is just finding my shot throughout the game and being more of a distributor, looking for those assists and those points on offense.” more

David Xu Helps Key Rally for PHS Boys’ Swim Team As it Edges WW/P-South to Remain Undefeated at 6-0

BREATHLESS PACE: Princeton High boys’ swimmer David Xu takes a breath during the breaststroke leg as he placed first in the 200 individual medley to help the Tigers produce a dramatic rally in edging WW/P-South 86-84 on December 19 in their last action before the holiday break. PHS, now 6-0, starts the 2025 portion of its schedule by hosting WW/P-North on January 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

David Xu was primed to give his all for the Princeton High boys’ swimming team as it looked to rally past WW/P-South in a battle of unbeaten squads in the final meet of 2024.

The Tigers found themselves behind the Pirates 82-74 heading into the 400-yard freestyle relay, the final event of the December 19 clash between the rivals. more

With Senior Chorba Excelling in Distance Events, PHS Girls’ Swim Team Produces Strong 5-1 Start

GOING THE DISTANCE: Princeton High girls’ swimmer Elizabeth Chorba heads to a third-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle as PHS faced WW/P-South on December 19 in its last meet of 2024. Chorba took second at the 500 free in the meet as the Tigers fell 91-79 to the Pirates. PHS, now 5-1, starts 2025 action by hosting WW/P-North on January 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although the Princeton High girls’ swimming team ended 2024 by losing 91-79 to WW/P-South to suffer its first loss in a regular season dual meet since December 17, 2019 (a 93-77 defeat to South), Elizabeth Chorba saw no reason for the Tigers to hang their heads.

“Seeing the score at the halfway mark, some people were a little disappointed,” said senior star and co-captain Chorba reflecting on the December 19 meet. “After that, we shifted our focus to yeah we want to try to get points, but it is also OK if we lose, so just swim for fun and enjoy it. Have a good time.” more

Fueled by Romain’s Emergence as a Star, PHS Girls’ Hoops Looking Formidable at 4-1

HARD DRIVING: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Sephora Romain drives to the hoop in recent action. Last Saturday, junior guard Romain scored eight points and had three rebounds as PHS fell 50-47 to Delaware Valley in the semifinals of the WW/P-South Tournament. The Tigers, who dropped to 4-1 with the loss, were slated to play Somerville on December 30 to wrap up action in the WW/P-S event and then play at Nottingham on January 3 before hosting Hopewell Valley on January 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton High girls’ basketball team trailing Delaware Valley 20-10 after the first quarter last Saturday in the semifinals of the WW/P-South Tournament, Sephora Romain went into overdrive.

“I feel like we needed to move more,” said junior guard Romain. “I tried to take it and pick it up. I just took it and went to the hoop.”

Making several forays to the basket, Romain scored eight points as the Tigers outscored Del Val 13-11 in the second quarter to keep PHS in the contest.

Continuing to battle back, the Tigers drew to within 40-37 heading into the fourth quarter. Putting together a 10-3 run, PHS forged ahead 47-46 with 1:33 left in regulation. The Terriers, though, responded by draining four free throws in the waning moments of the contest to pull out a 50-47 win. more

Sparked by Davidson’s 4-Goal Outburst, PHS Girls’ Hockey Ends 2024 with 1st Win

By Bill Alden

Taylor Davidson didn’t waste any time setting the tone for the Princeton High girls’ hockey team as it hosted Newark East Side in its last action of 2024.

Racing up the ice at Hobey Baker Rink, sophomore defender Davidson blasted the puck into the back of the goal to give PHS a 1-0 lead 1:50 into the December 20 contest.

About 11 minutes later, Davidson struck again, tallying her second goal as the Tigers doubled their lead to 2-0. more

December 25, 2024

Ivy League Reverses Field Regarding Postseason Ban, Will Allow its Football Teams to Play in FCS Tourney

INTO THE FRAY: Members of the Princeton University football team burst onto the field as they hosted Dartmouth on November 8. Last week, the Ivy League Council of Presidents has approved a proposal to allow league teams to play in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs starting in 2025. The decision, which followed a year-long process initiated by the Ivy League’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), reversed the league’s previous policy of barring its football programs from competing in the tourney despite allowing all other sports to take part in national postseason play. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

This fall, the Princeton University field hockey team lost a heartbreaking 1-0 nail-biter to Saint Joseph’s in the NCAA quarterfinals while the Tiger men’s and women’s soccer teams both suffered disappointing one-goal defeats in first-round contests in the national tourney.

Although those setbacks stung, each squad knew where they stood on the national scene. more

PDS Boys’ Hockey Competes Hard in Busy Week, Edging CBA before Falling to Don Bosco, Now 2-1-1

FAST START: Princeton Day School boys’ hockey player Jake Harrison races up the ice in action last season. Junior forward Harrison scored a goal for PDS as it fell 7-2 to Don Bosco Prep last Wednesday. The Panthers, now 2-1-1, are on a holiday break and will return to action when they host La Salle College High (Pa.) on January 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton Day School boys’ hockey team trailing undefeated powerhouse Don Bosco Prep 2-0 in the second period last Wednesday, Jake Harrison seized opportunity.

“They were on the power play, we were short-handed and their defenseman got the puck flat-footed,” said PDS junior forward Harrison. “I jumped him and I got a breakaway. “ more

Sparked by Sophomore Dandy’s Finishing Touch, PDS Girls’ Hockey Gets Off to Sizzling 3-0-1 Start

FINE AND DANDY: Sammy Dandy goes after the ball in action this fall for the Princeton Day School field hockey team. Sophomore Dandy, who led the Panthers in scoring in 2024 with five goals, has brought her finishing touch to the ice for the PDS girls’ hockey team. Dandy has piled up six goals to pace the Panthers as they have produced a 3-0-1 start. PDS, which defeated defending New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) state champion Pingry 7-3 last Thursday, hosts Immaculate Heart on January 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Sammy Dandy helped spark the offense this fall for the Princeton Day School field hockey team, emerging as the squad’s leading scorer with five goals.

This winter, sophomore star Dandy has brought her finishing touch to the ice for the PDS girls’ hockey team, piling up six goals to pace the Panthers as they have produced a 3-0-1 start. more

December 18, 2024

With Junior Amanze Displaying Her Potential, Tiger Women’s Hoops Defeats Rhode Island

STANDING TALL: Princeton University women’s basketball player Tabitha Amanze goes up for a shot against Rhode Island last Wednesday. Junior forward Amanze scored 14 points in 15 minutes off the bench to help the Tigers top the Rams 66-54. Princeton, now 6-4, hosts Vermont on December 21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Tabitha Amanze joined the Princeton University women’s basketball program in the fall of 2022 as a highly-touted recruit, having been ranked No. 43 in the ESPNW national rankings during her senior year at the Blair Academy.

But getting derailed by a knee injury before she could make her college debut, Amanze was sidelined for the entire 2022-23 campaign. more

Peters Comes Through Down the Stretch As PU Men’s Hoops Edges Monmouth 71-67

SHAKE AND BLAKE: Princeton University men’s basketball player Blake Peters dribbles upcourt in recent action. Last week, senior guard Peter scored 14 points off the bench, including some key 3-pointers, to help Princeton defeat Monmouth 71-67. The Tigers, who improved to 8-4 with the win in the December 10 contest, face Rutgers on December 21 at the Prudential Center in Newark. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Blake Peters acknowledged that the Princeton University men’s basketball team didn’t play its best as it edged visiting Monmouth 71-67 last week.

“I think most players would like to blow teams out, to do that you have to play extremely well; I don’t think we did tonight,” said senior guard Peters, who scored 14 points in 31 minutes off the bench in the December 10 contest as the Tigers improved to 8-4. more

Smiegocki Bringing Emphasis on Preparation In Debut Season Coaching PHS Girls’ Hoops

WINTER WONDER: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Anna Winters, right, drives to the basket in a game last season. Junior star and top returning scorer Winters figures to be a go-to player again for the Tigers with her inside-out game. PHS, which is being guided by new head coach Joe Smiegocki, will be tipping off its 2024-25 season this week by playing at Hightstown on December 17 before hosting WW/P-South on December 19. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For legendary UCLA men’s basketball coach John Wooden, a key tenet underlying the program’s success as he guided it to 10 NCAA titles in 12 years was the belief that failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

As Joe Smiegocki takes the helm of the Princeton High girls’ basketball team this winter, he is emphasizing that principle. more

Featuring a Drastically Revamped Roster, PHS Boys’ Hoops Aiming to Get in Sync

BESS EFFORT: Princeton High boys’ basketball player Michael Bess Jr., left, heads to the hoop in action last season. Junior guard Bess figures to play a key role for the Tigers this winter. PHS was slated to get its 2024-25 campaign underway this week by hosting Hightstown on December 17 and then playing at WW/P-South on December 19. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton High boys’ basketball team featuring a drastically revamped roster this winter, Pat Noone’s focus is getting everyone on the same page.

“It is a totally new ball club, we only have three guys back who had significant minutes last season,” said PHS head coach Noone, who guided the Tigers to a 11-13 record last season. “Overall, it has been a lot of teaching, a lot of learning.” more

Having Worked Hard to Improve Skills in Offseason PDS Boys’ Hoops Hoping Extra Effort Yields Dividends

PASSING IT ON: Princeton Day School boys’ basketball player Adam Stewart fires a pass in action last season. Senior guard Stewart brings unselfish play and defensive intensity to the court for the Panthers. PDS is slated to tip off its 2024-25 campaign this week by hosting Allentown on December 17 and Nottingham on December 19 before playing at the Episcopal Academy (Pa.) on December 21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Eugene Burroughs is hoping that the work his players on the Princeton Day School boys’ basketball team put in this offseason will yield dividends this winter.

“I am really impressed with the kids’ energy and effort; their improved skill over the summer has been great,” said PDS head coach Burroughs, who guided the Panthers to a 7-16 record last season. “When you look at our team as a whole, I think it comes down to how well we play together. It is, ‘Can we mesh the individual skill and development that players have accomplished individually and can we put that together as a team and function within a structure.’” more

With New Coach Reddington Taking the Helm, PDS Girls’ Hoops Aiming to Make Daily Progress

RUF RIDER: Princeton Day School girls’ basketball player Shelby Ruf soars to the hoop in a game last season. Senior Ruf, who also stars in soccer and lacrosse at PDS, will bring athleticism and competitiveness to the Panthers this winter. PDS, is being guided by new head coach Patrick Reddington, will be starting its 2024-25 season this week by playing at Allentown on December 17 and at Nottingham on December 19 before hosting Florence on December 21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Patrick Reddington, serving as an assistant coach for a powerhouse Ewing High girls’ basketball team proved to be a transformative experience.

“It was amazing, it really was; I told the girls all of the time that I learned more from them than they learned from me,” said Reddington, who coached at Ewing for two seasons and helped the Blue Devils win the 2023 New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 3 state title. more

Stuart Hoops Has Strength in Numbers, Primed to Make a Big Jump this Winter

TAYLOR-MADE: Stuart Country Day School basketball player Taylor States dribbles past a foe in a game last season. Junior forward States, the team’s leading returning scorer, is primed for another big season. Stuart will be tipping off its 2024-25 season by playing at the Wilberforce School on December 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Tony Bowman sees strength in numbers with his Stuart Country Day School basketball team as it heads into this winter.

“I have 13 kids, I have never had that many since I have been here,” said Stuart head coach Bowman who guided the Tartans to a 6-6 record last season. “It is great for the team. I am hoping for a better quality of play this year because I have a different mix. They have shown to be resilient and they work hard.” more

December 11, 2024

With Freshman Gunty Providing a Spark, Tiger Men’s Hockey Defeats Union, RPI

YOUNG GUN: Princeton University men’s hockey player Miles Gunty skates into the crease in recent action. Last Friday, freshman forward Gunty contributed two assists as Princeton defeated Union 2-1. Gunty, who picked up another assist in a 6-2 win over RPI a day later, was later named the ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Week. Princeton, now 5-4-1 overall and 3-4-1 ECACH, is next in action when it plays at Army West Point on December 28. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

Miles Gunty sensed a different vibe around the Princeton University men’s hockey team last week in the wake of its two-game sweep of No. 12 Ohio State.

“It was huge, this week at practice you could feel the energy every day,” said Gunty. “We are starting to believe a little bit more and last weekend was huge for that. Hopefully we are going to keep it rolling through the rest of the season.” more

PU Women’s Hockey Edges Quinnipiac in OT As Paul’s Finishing Touch Makes the Difference

WORKING OVERTIME: Princeton University women’s hockey player Sarah Paul controls the puck in a game last winter. On Saturday, junior forward Paul scored both goals for Princeton as it edged Quinnipiac 2-1 in overtime. The Tigers, who improved to 9-5 overall and 4-5 ECAC Hockey with the win, were slated to host LIU on December 10 before going on an exam/holiday break. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton University women’s hockey team trailing Quinnipiac 1-0 in the third period last Saturday at Hobey Baker Rink, Sarah Paul took matters into her hands.

Junior forward Paul tallied a power play goal with 13:33 left in the third period to knot the game at 1-1 and force overtime. Then at the 2:06 mark of the extra session, Paul slotted a feed from Jane Kuehl into the back of the net to give the Tigers a 2-1 win as they posted their fourth straight win and improved to 9-5 overall and 4-5 ECAC Hockey. more