January 3, 2024

PHS Wrestling Star Mele Makes Big Statement, Topping Formidable Foes in Winning Sam Cali Title

UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE: Princeton High wrestling star Blasé Mele lifts a foe off his feet in a bout during his freshman campaign. Last Thursday, junior Mele earned pair of wins over nationally ranked opponents at the Sam Cali Invitational to earn the 138-pound title on the FDU-Florham campus. Fellow PHS junior Cole Rose also excelled at the invite-only competition, taking third at 126. The Tigers will return to the mats on January 6 at Moorestown for a quad meet before hosting Nottingham in a dual meet January 10. (Photo provided by PHS Wrestling)

By Justin Feil

Blasé Mele has been talking the talk and now the Princeton High School junior is walking the walk.

Mele earned a pair of wins over nationally ranked opponents at the Sam Cali Invitational to earn the 138-pound title last Thursday on the FDU-Florham campus. The title itself wasn’t the big achievement; it was the caliber of opponents that Mele knocked off to win it.

Mele defeated FloWrestling’s 17th-ranked Joseph Joyce of Ponaganset (R.I.) in sudden victory overtime in the quarterfinals for his first huge win. After pinning Jake Zaltsman of state power St. John Vianney in the semifinals, Mele battled back to force overtime before taking a 3-1 win over seventh-ranked Billy Dekraker of Blair Academy, one of the best high school programs in the country. more

With Senior Standout Owusu Leading the Way, PHS Boys’ Hoops Produces Encouraging 3-2 Start

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

By Bill Alden

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

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

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

Sparked by Sophomore Sharkey’s Outside Shooting, PHS Girls’ Hoops Takes 3rd at WW/P-North Tourney

SHARK ATTACK: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Katie Sharkey dribbles upcourt in a game last winter. Last Thursday, Sharkey tallied a game-high 18 points in a losing cause as PHS fell 50-39 to Somerville in the semifinals of the WW/P-North Holiday Tournament. The Tigers, who defeated WW/P-South 41-20 last Saturday in the third place game at the tourney to move to 3-3, host Trenton Central on January 5 and Hamilton West on January 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton High girls’ basketball team trailing Somerville 43-27 last Thursday in the semifinals of the WW/P-North Holiday Tournament, Katie Sharkey caught fire from the perimeter.

PHS sophomore forward Sharkey drained three 3-pointers in a three-minute span in the fourth quarter as the Tigers tried to put together a rally.

“I think I am always feeling it,” said Sharkey, who ended up with a game-high 18 points but it wasn’t enough as Somerville prevailed 50-39. “It is mostly confidence, especially with shooting.” more

Jackson Played Through Pain to Star in Crunch Time As PDS Boys’ Hockey Edged Seton Hall Prep in OT

JACKED UP: Princeton Day School boys’ hockey player Liam Jackson controls the puck in recent action. Senior star forward Jackson tallied a goal and an assist to help PDS edge Seton Hall Prep 3-2 in overtime on December 21 in its last action before the holiday break. The Panthers, now 4-2, start the 2024 portion of their schedule by facing LaSalle College High (Pa.) on January 3 at the Hatfield Ice Arena and the Pingry School at the Bridgewater Sports Arena on January 4 before hosting St. Joseph Montvale High on January 8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton Day School boys’ hockey team hosted Seton Hall Prep in its last action before the holiday break, Liam Jackson got smashed into the ice late in the second period.

Looking shaky after taking the hit which drew a penalty, PDS senior star forward Jackson skated gingerly over to the bench, seemingly finished for the game.

While Jackson was in pain, he did return to the December 21 contest. more

Hun Boys’ Hoops Ended 2023 on a High Note As Senior Star Guard Kelly Came Up Big

BIG MAC: Hun School boys’ basketball player Mac Kelly heads to the hoop in a game last winter. Senior guard Kelly starred as Hun posted two wins over Malvern Prep (Pa.) and Germantown Academy (Pa.) before the holiday break to improve to 5-5. Getting the 2024 portion of their schedule underway, the Raiders host the Pennington School on January 4, the Solebury School (Pa.) on January 6, and West Nottingham Academy (Md.) on January 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In his second season with the Hun School boys’ basketball team, Mac Kelly has been taking command of the squad’s backcourt.

With standout guards Dan Vessey and Anthony Loscalzo having graduated after starring last winter, senior standout Kelly is shouldering more responsibility this winter.

“Last year was my first year here, I was trying to transition and be a point guard,” said Kelly. “We have got a lot of new guys and I am just trying to do my best with finding a balance between being a scorer and being a point guard. As your time goes on here, naturally your role on a team is going to get bigger and bigger. I am just trying to do my best to handle that.” more

December 27, 2023

Producing a Number of Remarkable Postseason Runs, PU, Local High School Teams Made 2023 Unforgettable

SWEET SUCCESS: Princeton University men’s basketball player Tosan Evbuomwan heads to the basket in the Ivy League tournament. Senior star Evbuomwan helped the Tigers win the Ivy tournament and then go on to a magical run to the NCAA Sweet 16, the first time the program advanced that far since the tourney was expanded to 64 teams in 1985. The 15th-seeded Tigers upset second-seeded Arizona and seventh-seeded Missouri before falling to sixth-seeded Creighton. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For local sports programs, 2023 turned out to be a year that will be remembered for some of most stirring postseason runs in recent years.

Over at Princeton University, the men’s basketball team captivated hoops fans across the country last March as it advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the first time since the tournament was expanded to 64 teams in 1985. The Tiger women’s hoops team produced a special run of its own as it made the second round of the NCAA tourney for a second straight year. Senior Patrick Glory made history for Tiger wrestling, winning the NCAA title at 125 pounds, earning the second-ever national title for the program and the first since Bradley Glass won the heavyweight crown in 1951. Princeton track and field star Sondre Guttormsen won the pole vault at the NCAA Indoor Championships, making it two straight titles for him at the meet. more

Blazing a Trail from the Chicago Public League, Davis Emerging as a Key Reserve for PU Men’s Hoops

GOOD DAY: Princeton University men’s basketball player Dalen Davis dribbles upcourt in recent action. Last Friday, freshman guard Davis scored 10 points to help Princeton defeat Division III Delaware Valley 84-53. The Tigers, now 11-1, play at Delaware on December 30. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Dalen Davis is a unicorn for the Princeton University men’s basketball team.

The first product from the Chicago Public League to play for an Ivy League program, Davis has made an early impact as a trailblazer. Davis played a team-high 31 minutes and scored 10 points as Princeton improved to 11-1 with an 84-53 win over Division III Delaware Valley on Friday, his latest step in adjusting to school and college basketball.

“I’m just learning from older guys, from the starters,” said Davis. “They’ve been there – Sweet 16 run last year – so it’s been a blessing to learn from them and all the upperclassmen, even the sophomores too. Time management is probably the best thing. It’s Princeton, just managing both at the same time. And also health. I’ve been sick a lot and dealing with a lot of health issues. So time management all around.” more

With Senior Standout Xu Excelling at Breaststroke, PHS Boys’ Swim Team Looking Formidable at 6-0

OH HENRY: Princeton High boys’ swimmer Henry Xu displays his breaststroke form in a recent meet. Last Thursday, senior star Xu swam the breaststroke leg in the victorious 200-yard medley relay, placed fourth in the 200 individual medley, and then won the 100 breast as PHS topped Hopewell Valley 120-50 and Ewing 140-28 in a tri-meet. The Tigers are next in action when they face Notre Dame at The College of New Jersey on January 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Henry Xu focused on the butterfly when he started competitive swimming but eventually found he was better suited for another stroke.

“I used to be a flyer a long time ago, then I became a breaststroker,” said Xu, a senior standout for the Princeton High boys’ swim team. “It has been my go-to stroke for four or five years. What is interesting about me is my physique isn’t a like a normal breaststroke physique like bulky, huge. I work on the technique; my stroke rate is fast and it is pretty precise.” more

Sophomore Flanagan Maturing into a Star, Helping PHS Girls’ Swimming Start 5-0

BREAKING FREE: Princeton High girls’ swimmer Annie Flanagan competes in a freestyle race in a meet earlier this season. Last Thursday, sophomore Flanagan placed first in the 200-yard freestyle and 100 back to help PHS defeat Hopewell Valley 132-38. The Tigers, now 5-0, will look to keep on the winning track when they face Notre Dame at The College of New Jersey on January 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Joining the Princeton High girls’ swim team last winter, Annie Flanagan was a bit apprehensive about how things would go.

“I was definitely really nervous coming in, being a freshman,” said Flanagan.

Overcoming her nerves, Flanagan ended up thriving in the team environment, emerging as a key performer for a PHS squad that went 14-0 on the way to winning the Mercer County championship meet and New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group B state title. more

December 20, 2023

Sophomore Guard St. Rose Shows Growth, Helping PU Women’s Hoops Defeat Rutgers

SHOOTING STAR: Princeton University women’s basketball player Madison St. Rose puts up a shot in a game last season. Last Wednesday, sophomore guard St. Rose tallied 17 points as Princeton defeated Rutgers 66-55. The Tigers, now 8-3, are next in action when they play at Vermont on December 29. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After struggling early on last winter to get up to speed in her freshman season with the Princeton University women’s basketball team, Madison St. Rose has developed a self-assurance based on that experience and some grinding in the offseason.

“I am more confident and comfortable with the whole Princeton system and just how everything works,” said sophomore guard St. Rose. “I feel like last year, I was adjusting. I had a really hard time adjusting just because of the fast pace and constantly lifting. It took a toll on my body. I felt like my working over the summer and just trying to get myself ahead definitely made me a better player.”

Last Wednesday against visiting Rutgers, St. Rose didn’t waste any time displaying the dividends of that work, pouring in 10 points to help the Tigers jump out to an 18-5 lead over the Scarlet Knights. more

Freshman Hicke Makes Most of Playing Time  As PU Men’s Hoops Tops D-III Foe Bryn Athyn

ACTION JACKSON: Princeton University men’s basketball player Jackson Hicke dribbles upcourt last Wednesday as Princeton hosted Division III foe Bryn Athyn. Freshman guard Hicke posted his first career double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds to help the Tigers roll to a 92-40 win over the Lions. Princeton, now 10-1, hosts Delaware Valley on December 22. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Jackson Hicke scored six points with four rebounds in 59 minutes off the bench over his first nine appearances this season in his freshman campaign for the Princeton University men’s basketball team.

Last Wednesday as Princeton hosted Division III foe Bryn Athyn, guard Hicke got some extended playing time and made the most of the opportunity, tallying 12 points with 15 rebounds and five assists in 33 minutes as Princeton rolled to a 92-40 win over the Lions.

“It was great, I had a couple of long stretches for sure,” said Hicke, a 6’5, 200-pound native of Radnor, Pa., who made 3 of 4 shots, including 2 of 2 from 3-point range and 4 of 4 from the foul line. “The starters came out and played so well and gave us the opportunity to play some minutes.” more

With Junior Standouts Mele, Rose Leading the Way, PHS Wrestling Makes Strong Showing at Del Val Event

COLE POWER: Princeton High wrestler Cole Rose, top, controls a foe in a 2022 bout. Last Saturday, junior star Rose took second at 126 pounds in the Wendy Pandy-Leh Wrestling Invitational at Delaware Valley. Fellow junior Blase Mele placed first at 138 as the Tigers took sixth in the team standings of the event won by host Del Val. PHS hosts WW/P-South on December 20 in its first dual of the season. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The Princeton High wrestling team is testing its strength early with several difficult challenges.

The Tigers wrestled in the Wendy Pandy-Leh Wrestling Invitational at Delaware Valley on Saturday. PHS placed sixth among a strong contingent of statewide teams, and the opportunity was just what the Tigers were looking for in the first month of a season in which there are big expectations for PHS.

“There were some very good quality teams from across the state of New Jersey,” said PHS head coach Jess Monzo. “There were teams from up north in Bergen County, teams from down south like Williamstown and Woodstown, Del Val is terrific, and some schools from the shore. You saw a little bit of everything, each kind of New Jersey’s style, which was great. You can’t get that a lot and it’s good to expose your kids to it early and then correct what they might have done wrong or got beat up with before we see that later on in the season.” more

Making Immediate Impact for PHS Girls’ Hockey, Davidson Gets Hat Trick in Loss to Newark East Side

GOING TO GOAL: Princeton High girls’ hockey player Maya Hagt heads up the ice in a game last season. On Friday, junior forward Hagt tallied a goal and an assist as PHS fell 9-7 to Newark East Side at Hobey Baker Rink. The Tigers, who moved to 0-4 with an 8-7 loss to Cranford last Monday, host Madison High on December 20 at Baker Rink in their last action before the holiday break. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

While Taylor Davidson has been skating since she was three years old, she didn’t start taking ice hockey seriously until middle school.

“I have known how to skate forever — my dad grew up playing hockey,” said Davidson. “But I played house league because we always went skiing. I started playing club about three years ago. I have definitely been working on it a lot more recently.” more

With Hartman Getting Senior Season Off to a Hot Start, PDS Girls’ Hoops Rolls Past Noor-ul-iman in Opener

HART AND SOUL: Princeton Day School girls’ basketball player Mia Hartman brings the ball up the court last Thursday as PDS hosted Noor-ul-iman in its season opener. Senior guard/forward Hartman scored 11 points as the Panthers prevailed 54-13. PDS plays at Trenton Central on December 21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Mia Hartman got her senior season with the Princeton Day School girls’ basketball team off to a great start last Thursday.

With PDS hosting Noor-ul-iman in its season opener, guard/forward Hartman scored eight points and picked up an assist in the first few minutes of the game as the Panthers jumped out to a 10-0 lead.

“That was great; definitely seeing that was a huge lift because we work very hard in practice,” said Hartman. “We practice the same things and we executed very well. It is refreshing — now we have the bodies, now we have the pieces to execute.” more

PDS Girls’ Hockey Has Tough Weekend, But Feeling Encouraged by Solid 3-2 Start

STICKY SITUATION: Princeton Day School girls’ hockey player Logan Harrison controls the puck in recent action despite getting a stick to her neck. Senior forward Harrison’s play at both ends of the ice has helped PDS get off to a 3-2 start. The Panthers, who fell 8-0 to the Portledge School (N.Y.) last Saturday, face Randolph High on December 20 at the SportsCare Arena in Randolph in their last action before the holiday break. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although the Princeton Day School girls’ hockey team took its lumps last weekend as it fell to the Shady Side Academy (Pa.) and the Portledge School (N.Y.), Jamie Davis believes his players will be better for the experience.

“I am glad we played these games because you need some adversity, you need to get beat at times and fight back,” said PDS first-year head coach Davis, whose team lost 5-0 to Shady Side on Friday and then got defeated 8-0 by Portledge a day later.

“I just told them that if you play this hard like we did last night against the teams in our league, we are going to be tough to beat. We actually played up to them; Friday night was a much stronger effort. We had scoring chances, we just couldn’t put them in. We did all right today, it was a tough one.” more

December 13, 2023

Breaking Into Starting Lineup for PU Women’s Hoops, Hill Provides Inside Presence as Tigers Top Quinnipiac

TOP OF THE HILL: Princeton University women’s basketball player Parker Hill looks to unload the ball in recent action. Last Wednesday, junior forward Hill scored a career-high 14 points to help Princeton defeat Quinnipiac 79-70. The Tigers, who edged Villanova 61-58 last Monday to improve to 7-3, host Rutgers on December 13. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Over her first two seasons with the Princeton University women’s basketball team, Parker Hill toiled in a reserve role, appearing in 39 games with no starts and just 210 minutes of action.

After riding the bench for the first seven games this winter, junior forward Hill broke into the starting lineup on December 3 against Rhode Island in a 60-58 loss. Last Wednesday night as Princeton hosted Quinnipiac, Hill got her second start and first at Jadwin Gym.

While excited to finally be a starter, Hill is not changing her approach to the game. more

With Cronin Developing into Go-To Goal Scorer, PU Men’s Hockey Taking 5-5-2 Record Into Break

JACKED UP: Princeton University men’s hockey player Jack Cronin battles a foe in action last winter. Last Saturday, junior forward Cronin scored the game-tying goal in the third period as the Tigers skated to a 2-2 draw with Sacred Heart at Hobey Baker Rink. The Tigers, who moved to 5-5-2 with the tie, are on exam break for the next two weeks and will return to action when they host Harvard on December 30. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In the first six weeks of this season, the Princeton University men’s hockey team has displayed a propensity for battling back from early deficits.

Four times in its first 10 games, Princeton overcame early deficits to pull out three victories and a shootout win.

Last Saturday, the Tigers produced another comeback, trailing Sacred Heart 1-0 and 2-1 before tying the game at 2-2 in the third period and forcing overtime. The foes remained tied through overtime. The teams did end the evening with an exhibition shootout, which saw the Pioneers outscore Princeton 2-1. more

Gaining Experience from Battles with Big 10 Teams, Young Princeton Wrestling Primed for Midlands Test

COVER UP: Princeton University wrestler Matt Cover enjoys the moment after he defeated Nick Wilhelm of Indiana on December 3 as the Tigers lost 18-15 to the Hoosiers in their opening dual. Last Friday as Princeton battled Rutgers, senior star Cover posted a 3-1 win over John O’Donnell at 285 pounds to provide a highlight as the Tigers fell 24-9 to the Scarlet Knights to move to 0-2 in duals. In upcoming action, Princeton wrestlers will be competing in the Midlands Championships from December 29-30 at Hoffman Estates, Ill. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The Princeton University wrestling lineup is vastly different from a year ago, and the Tigers’ young and inexperienced wrestlers are benefiting from their early tests on the mat.

Princeton dropped a pair of decisions to Big Ten programs Indiana and Rutgers last week. The Tigers were edged by Indiana, 18-15, on December 3 at Jadwin Gym, then fell at Jersey Mike’s Arena to No. 13 Rutgers, 24-9, last Friday evening.

“All this stuff is getting us ready for the next week,” said Princeton head coach Joe Dubuque. “This Rutgers match is going to get us ready for Midlands. Midlands is going to get us ready for our next dual meet.” more

After Falling Just Short in Sectional Final in 2022-23, PHS Boys’ Swimming Hungry for More this Winter

MAKING A SPLASH: Princeton High boys’ swimmer David Xu competes in a butterfly race last season. Junior Xu and the Tigers got their 2023-24 season off a good start as they topped Hamilton West 111-50 last Thursday inter opening meet. In upcoming action, PHS swims at Robbinsville on December 14 and then hosts WW/P-North on December 19. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

While the Princeton High boys’ swimming team has gone 27-2 over the last two years, that sparkling record has been tinged with some frustration.

Both of those defeats came to fellow powerhouse Chatham, with one coming in the Public B state final in 2022 and the other taking place in the sectional final last season.

As PHS headed into the 2023-24 season, Tiger head coach Carly Misiewicz believes those setbacks could spur her swimmers to new heights this winter. more

PHS Girls’ Swim Team Aiming for Repeat Performance After Going Undefeated in Winning State Title Last Season

FLYING START: Princeton High girls’ swimmer Lauren Girouard displays her butterfly form in a race last season. Senior star Girouard and her teammates are looking for an encore performance this winter after going 14-0 in 2022-23 on the way to winning the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group B state title. PHS started this season by topping Hamilton West 114-40 last Thursday. The Tigers will look to keep on the winning track as they swim at Robbinsville on December 14 and then host WW/P-North on December 19. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton High girls’ swimming team coming off an undefeated season in 2022-23 that saw it win the program’s first state title since 1983, the squad isn’t shying away from talk of an encore performance this winter.

“You always feel that there is this target on your back, before it was within the county and now I feel like it is more statewide,” said PHS head coach Carly Misiewicz, whose team went 14-0 on the way to winning the Mercer County championship meet and New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group B state title. “I feel like we thrive in those situations. They have said multiple times that they want nothing more than to repeat this year. They got a taste of it last year but they are ready for some more again.” more

Featuring a Solid Core of Battle-Tested Players, PHS Boys’ Hoops Upbeat About its Prospects

OH YES: Princeton High boys’ basketball player Jahan Owusu heads to the hoop in a game last year. Senior guard Owusu, the team’s leading scorer last season, figures to be a go-to player again this winter for the Tigers. PHS tips off its 2023-24 campaign by playing at Ewing on December 14. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Last winter, the Princeton High boys’ basketball team saved its best for last, going 5-3 in its last eight games with two of the losses coming by one point in hard-fought postseason contests.

With PHS having only lost a couple of senior starters from that squad, Patrick Noone believes that his returners have picked up from where they left off as they have gone through preseason practices.

“The vibe has been really good, they are really connected,” said PHS head coach Noone, who guided the Tigers to a 10-13 record last winter and whose team tips off the 2023-24 season by playing at Ewing High on December 14. “They are really enjoying themselves. We have got a lot of returning guys and some key newcomers so it has been good.” more

Coming Off Winning Campaign, MCI Title Run, PHS Girls’ Hoops Has Pieces in Place for Big Winter

ON THE RISE: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Gabby Bannett goes up for a layup in a game last season. Senior star forward and team captain Bannett will be depended on to provide production and leadership for the Tigers this winter. PHS opens its 2023-24 season by hosting Ewing High on December 14. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although the Princeton High girls’ basketball team hasn’t played a regular season game yet this winter, Dave Kosa is already impressed by his squad’s spirit.

“We had our best practice today, it was just having a great vibe,” said PHS head coach Kosa.

“I said to them on December 7, this has been my best team since I have been here as far as how hard we are practicing and we are getting after it. It doesn’t matter who I put on the blue team or the white team, they are going at it versus one another. It is great to see those types of practices where we are competing. Having competition just gets everyone better.” more

Undergoing a Youth Movement by Necessity, PDS Boys’ Basketball has Potential to Excel

GETTING HIS SHOT: Princeton Day School boys’ basketball player Adam Stewart puts up a shot in a game last winter. Junior guard Stewart figures to be a key performer for the Panthers this season as he moves into the starting lineup. PDS tips off its 2023-24 campaign by hosting Delran High on December 14. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Losing six seniors to graduation, including its three leading scorers, the Princeton Day School boys’ basketball team is undergoing a youth movement by necessity this winter.

With three freshmen, five sophomores, and two juniors figuring to get a lot of minutes this season, PDS head coach Eugene Burroughs is looking forward to seeing his team develop over the course of the winter.

“With a young group, there are going to be some ups and downs, they are going to have some good days and bad days,” said Burroughs, whose team tips off its 2023-24 campaign by hosting Delran High on December 14. “They don’t know what they don’t know. We have some good pieces and some good skill level. I think the athleticism piece is there and the ability to score a little bit is there. It is going to be fun to see them mature as a group.” more

December 6, 2023

PU Men’s Water Polo Falls to UCLA in NCAA Semis, Making Progress Toward Ultimate Goal of National Title

SEMI-TOUGH: Princeton University men’s water polo player George Caras races up the pool in recent action. Junior Caras starred as fourth-seeded Princeton topped UC Irvine 12-7 in the NCAA quarterfinals last Friday before falling 17-13 to top-seeded UCLA in the semis a day later at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. The Tigers finished the season with a 28-6 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Mason Killion’s goal brought the Princeton University men’s water polo team even with top-seeded UCLA in the fourth quarter of the NCAA semifinals Saturday.

The fourth-seeded Tigers stood seven minutes away from reaching the championship game where they could play for the national title goal they had been aiming for all season.

UCLA, though, responded with the next three goals to put the Tigers in a deficit that they couldn’t claw back from in a 17-13 loss in a game played at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Princeton drew as close as 14-12 with 2:52 before UCLA scored twice in the next 24 seconds to end the Tigers year at 28-6 overall after securing their third straight Northeast Water Polo Conference Championship to earn another trip to the NCAAs. more

Enjoying Banner Day as NCAA Sweet 16 Run Celebrated, PU Men’s Hoops Rallies to Edge Furman on Allocco Shot

GOING TO THE MATT: Princeton University men’s basketball player Matt Allocco heads to the hoop in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior guard Allocco drained a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give Princeton a dramatic come-from-behind 70-69 win over Furman. The Tigers, who moved to 8-0 with the victory, were slated to host Drexel on December 5 before playing at Saint Joseph’s on December 10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

The cheers started early Saturday afternoon as the Princeton University men’s basketball team hosted Furman.

In a pregame ceremony, Princeton’s magical run to the NCAA Sweet 16 this past March was celebrated and a banner memorializing the achievement was unfurled from the rafters at Jadwin Gym to the applause of the 2,142 on hand for the contest.

About two hours later, the Jadwin crowd erupted in a frenzy with a full-throated roar after the Tigers, displaying the mettle that exemplified their March Madness success, rallied from a 61-50 deficit late in the second half to stun the Paladins 70-69 on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by senior star Matt Allocco. more