December 6, 2023

With Veterans, Freshmen Getting on Same Page, Stuart Basketball Undergoing Growth Process 

TAYLOR-MADE: Stuart Country Day School basketball player Taylor States heads to the basket in action last winter. Sophomore forward States, who led Stuart in scoring last season with 177 points, figures to be the top offensive threat for the Tartans again this winter. Stuart tips off its 2023-24 campaign by playing at the Peddie School on December 6. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Stuart Country Day School basketball team featuring a mix of four returners and five newcomers, Tony Bowman has been providing his players with plenty of teachable moments.

“It is a growing process, it is a learning process,” said Stuart head coach Bowman, who guided the Tartans to a 5-6 record last winter as he returned for his second stint with the program after coaching Stuart from 2003-11. “We don’t have a JV so they are going from middle school straight to varsity. It is a big transition, that is where we’re at.” more

November 29, 2023

Sparked by 30-Point Outburst from Sophomore Star Lee, Princeton Men’s Hoops Tops Northeastern, Improves to 6-0

X-FACTOR: Princeton University men’s basketball player Xaivian Lee drives past a Northeastern defender last Saturday as Princeton hosted the Huskies in its home opener. Sophomore guard Lee poured in a career-high 30 points to help the Tigers prevail 80-66. Lee was later named the Ivy League Player of the Week. Princeton, now 6-0, plays at Bucknell on November 29 before hosting Furman on December 2 and Drexel on December 5. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton University men’s basketball team having played its first five games away from Jadwin Gym this season, Xaivian Lee was happy to be back home as the Tigers hosted Northeastern last Saturday afternoon.

“We had a great crowd, it is always good play in front of someone rooting for you,” said Princeton sophomore guard Lee. “Every game has been on the road, so it was nice to be home for sure. Coach (Mitch Henderson) always says the cuts are a little faster. I find our shots go in a little more. It is definitely good to play here.” more

Feasting Over Thanksgiving at Big-Time Florida Event, Princeton Women’s Hoops Goes 1-1, Moves into Top 25

ROSY OUTLOOK: Princeton University women’s basketball player Madison St. Rose dribbles upcourt in recent action. Last Thursday, sophomore guard St. Rose scored 24 points to help Princeton defeat No. 20 Oklahoma 77-63 in the Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off. Two days later, St. Rose chipped in 11 points in a losing cause as the Tigers fell 72-63 to No. 19 Indiana to wrap up play in the Fort Myers event. The Tigers, now 4-2, made it into the Associated Press Top 25 poll this week, getting ranked at No. 25. In upcoming action, Princeton hosts Seton Hall on November 29 and plays at Rhode Island on December 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

A Top-20 win for the Princeton University women’s basketball team made the team’s Thanksgiving feast taste all the better.

The Tigers enjoyed a holiday meal together last Thursday in Florida after defeating No. 20 Oklahoma, 77-63, earlier in the day in the first game of the Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers (Fla.) Tip-Off.

“It was great,” said Princeton head coach Carla Berube. “It was fun playing early in the afternoon and then we had a big Thanksgiving feast with the whole team and the families that were there. It was really nice. It was fun to all be together for the holiday and getting a big W on top of it.”

Princeton dropped the second game of the tournament, 72-63, to No. 19 Indiana on Saturday to move to 4-2 overall. The Tigers will be home for the first time since their season opener when they host Seton Hall at Jadwin Gym on Wednesday. more

Coming Up Short in a Season of Nail-Biters, PU Football Turning Focus to Making Corrections

TENSE CAMPAIGN: Princeton University football head coach Bob Surace surveys the action in a game this fall. It was a season of nail-biters for the Tigers as they went 5-5 overall and 4-3 Ivy League with their two non-conference losses coming by three points each and their Ivy defeats coming in two overtime contests and a two-point setback. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

If this fall had been governed by the rules used in 1995, the Princeton University football team would have earned a share of the Ivy League title.

In its seven Ivy contests, Princeton went 4-1 in games decided in regulation and tied the two others. In 1995, that would have left the Tigers at 4-1-2 and in a tie for the title. But with college football adopting overtime in 1996, there are no longer ties and Princeton saw its ties turn into losses. more

PHS Soccer Star Carusone, Tiger Field Hockey’s Keegan Get the Nod as Town Topics’ Leading Fall Performers

TITLE RUN: Princeton High Boys’ soccer player Pasquale Carusone races past a defender in action this fall. Senior striker Carusone tallied a team-high 28 goals to help PHS win the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 4 state title and post a 22-2 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Pasquale Carusone made a decision that changed the course of history for the Princeton High boys’ soccer program.

After focusing on club soccer during his first three years at PHS, he opted to join the Tiger squad this fall.

“It is my senior year, I definitely have to play for my high school,” said Carusone, who played for the Players Development Academy (PDA) and has committed to play at the college level for the University of Rochester. “A lot of kids were giving me stuff for it and saying we could go super far with you this year.”

The PHS players welcomed Carusone with open arms. “They were happy to see me, they have been wanting me to come out for three years,” said Carusone. “I have known the Smith brothers (junior midfielder Archie and freshman midfielder Harvey) for a while — I have played club with them forever. We jelled quick, it wasn’t like it took a few games.” more

Featuring Stellar Senior Group, Infusion of Talent, PHS Football Produced 1st Winning Season Since ’14

BREAKING THROUGH: Princeton High football player Remmick Granozio fights for extra yardage in a game this fall. Senior tight end Granozio’s intensity helped the Tigers go 5-4 this year as the program produced its first winning campaign since 2014. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In recent years, Charlie Gallagher needed to be creative to put a positive spin on things when he spoke at the year-end banquet for his Princeton High football team.

But this Thursday when the team gathers for the annual event, PHS head coach Gallagher will have plenty of positives to cover as he recaps a 2023 season that saw the Tigers go 5-4, producing their first winning campaign since 2014. more

Encouraged By Positive Vibe in Preseason, Hun Boys’ Basketball Primed for Big Winter

SHOOTING STAR: Hun School boys’ basketball player Mac Kelly puts up a shot in a game last season. Senior guard Kelly figures to be a key offensive threat this winter for Hun. The Raiders were slated to tip off their 2023-24 campaign by hosting Compass Basketball Academy on November 28 and then playing at the Haverford School (Pa.) on November 30. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It is early but Jon Stone is sensing that his Hun School boys’ basketball team could grow into something special.

“The vibe has been really good, we clearly have a lot of things to work on but we have been getting there,” said Hun head coach Stone, whose team went 14-13 last winter and was slated to tip off its 2023-24 campaign by hosting Compass Basketball Academy on November 28 and then playing at the Haverford School (Pa.) on November 30. “The guys have been working hard, the energy has been good.” more

Despite Falling to George School in Opener, Hun Girls’ Hoops Showed Plenty of Firepower

PASSING IT ON: Hun School girls’ basketball girls’ basketball player Anna Schweer looks to make a pass in a game last season. Hun is depending on senior guard Schweer to provide production and leadership this winter. The Raiders, who opened the season by falling 83-78 to George School (Pa.) on November 21, will be playing in the Hill School (Pa.) Girls’ Basketball Tournament from December 1-3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although the Hun School girls’ basketball team lost 83-78 to George School (Pa.) last week in its season opener, Sean Costello saw plenty of positives.

“I think that was as good a result as we could have gotten outside of getting the win in terms of the product we produced,” said Hun head coach Costello, noting that he was missing some key players due to injury for the November 21 contest. “We jumped on them. We brought a lot of energy, which was really good. We knocked down some shots, the kids got hot. I said before the game you want to win all of the games, but the first game is more about to see where you are at. It was about competing and setting the tempo, and we came out shining in those categories.” more

November 22, 2023

PU Men’s Water Polo Edges Harvard in NWPC Final, Now Heading to NCAAs Aiming to Win National Title

CRIMSON TIDE: Princeton University men’s water polo player Yurian Quinones pressures a Harvard player in regular season action. Last Sunday, senior Quinines scored a goal and helped key a stifling defensive effort as Princeton defeated Harvard 8-5 in the final of the Northeast Water Polo Conference (NWPC) tournament at Cambridge, Mass. The triumph gave the Tigers their third straight NWPC title, a program first. Princeton, which improved to 27-5 with the win over the Crimson, will now compete in the NCAA tournament where they are seeded fourth and will face UC Irvine in a first round contest on December 1 at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The Princeton University men’s water polo team came into the season with the goal of returning to the NCAA Championship field to win it all.

It is an enormous goal that came with the assumption that the Tigers would win another Northeast Water Polo Conference (NWPC) Championship to earn the league’s automatic bid to the NCAAs. The Tigers had manhandled conference rival Harvard in their first meeting of the season, 17-11, even without one of their top players.

The NWPC title became a little less certain when Princeton lost 14-13 to Harvard in double overtime in their regular-season meeting on October 29 three weeks before the NWPC tournament.

When both Princeton and Harvard won their NWPC semifinals Saturday, it set up a rubber match that meant a lot more than just who would win the season series.

Princeton went into the final treating the game as a qualifying game for NCAAs.

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With Freshman Goalie Smith Coming Up Big, Tiger Men’s Hockey Edges Cornell 2-1 in OT

Princeton Men’s hockey hosts Cornell on November 18, 2023.

KING ARTHUR: Princeton University men’s hockey goalie Arthur Smith guards the crease in recent action. Last Saturday night, freshman Smith made 36 saves to help Princeton defeat Cornell 2-1 in overtime. The Tigers, now 3-2-1 overall and 3-2-1 ECAC Hockey, play a two-game set at Ohio State on November 24 and 25. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

Arthur Smith has fit in quickly with the Princeton University men’s hockey team as he has joined the program this winter as a freshman goalie.

“The older guys do a really good job of doing the right things all of the time,” said Smith.

“It doesn’t really feel like I am a freshman, it feels like I am just a new person in the culture. They do a good job of making sure that we are all held to the same standard, it doesn’t matter if you are a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior.”

Last Friday, Princeton didn’t live up to its standard as it fell behind 5-1 to visiting Colgate midway through the second period. Smith came on in relief at that point and calmed things down, making eight saves as the Tigers fought back before falling 6-3.
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Opportunistic Princeton Football Forces 7 Turnovers To Defeat Penn 31-24 in Season Finale, End Fall at 5-5

WIZARD OF OZ: Princeton University linebacker Ozzie Nicholas celebrates after a big play in a game earlier this fall. Last Saturday, senior star Nicholas ended his Princeton career on a high note, making eight tackles and recovering a fumble to help the Tigers defeat Penn 31-24 at Franklin Field in Philadelphia in the season finale. Princeton ended the season at 5-5 overall and 4-3 Ivy League. Nicholas, for his part, led the Tigers and the league with 104 tackles. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After the Princeton University football team suffered a heartbreaking 36-28 double overtime loss to Yale in its home finale on November 11 to get eliminated from the Ivy League title race, it could have gone through the motions as it ended the fall at Penn last Saturday.

But in the wake of the defeat to Yale, Princeton senior quarterback Blake Stenstrom vowed that the Tigers would go out in 2023 with a bang, not a whimper, as they faced the Quakers at venerable Franklin Field in Philadelphia.

“If this team is the team I believe it to be we are going to come out and we are going to attack practice regardless of what awaits us,” said Stenstrom. “Guys are going to fight and go out on a high note. There were a lot of tough ones this season and at the end of last season, and guys have never quit.”

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With New Coach Dubuque Bringing Energy, PU Wrestling Finishes 3rd at Navy Classic

STOUT DEFENSE: Princeton University wrestler Luke Stout, right, battles a foe in a bout last winter. Last Saturday, junior Stout placed first in the 197-pound weight class at the Navy Classic in Owings Mills, Md. Stout’s heroics helped Princeton finish third in the team standings at the event, which was won by Nebraska. The Tigers, who are being guided by new head coach Joe Dubuque, are next in action when they host Indiana on December 3 at Jadwin Gym in their first dual of the season. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Joe Dubuque was thrust into a whirlwind when he took the helm of the Princeton University wrestling program in mid-September.

With head coach Chris Ayes unexpectedly leaving Princeton to guide the Stanford program, longtime assistant Dubuque was promoted to guide the Tigers.

“The time was a little hectic when I got the job, three days later we had our largest recruiting visit so that was a little stressful,” said Dubuque, speaking recently at the program’s media day. “It was doing some new things that I wasn’t in charge of before while also doing the things I was in charge of prior. The first two weeks were stressful. Now I feel like I have my legs under me.”

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Saving its Best for Last in a Difficult Campaign, PDS Boys’ Soccer Advanced to Non-Public B Semis

COMING THROUGH: Princeton Day School boys’ soccer player Penn von Zelowitz, right, goes after the ball in game this fall. Junior von Zelowitz starred as 10th-seeded PDS made an improbable run to the semis of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Jersey Non-Public B Tournament. Von Zelowitz scored the winning goal as the Panthers upset second-seeded Doane Academy 1-0 in overtime in the quarterfinal round. PDS went on to fall 4-0 at third-seeded St. Rose in a semifinal contest to finish the season at 3-16-1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Having gone winless as it headed into mid-October and not getting invited to the Mercer County Tournament due to its poor record, the Princeton Day School boys’ soccer team underwent some soul-searching as it looked ahead to the homestretch of the season.

“We had a pretty big meeting around the time when we found out we didn’t make MCTs for the second year in a row,” said PDS head coach Brian Thomsen. “We talked to the boys a lot, about what we can do moving forward to make sure it is a meaningful experience the last three or four weeks.”

The Panthers responded by topping Nottingham 2-1 on October 18 to get their only regular season win and then produced an unlikely run to the semis of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Jersey Non-Public B Tournament.

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Wilberforce Cross Country Teams Made Strides, As Brox Won Non-Public Boys, Girls’ Team Took 2nd

SPECIAL FORCE: Members of the Wilberforce School boys’ cross country team show off the medals they earned at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public B championship meet earlier this month. The Wolverines took third in the team standings at the meet, led by senior Caleb Brox who placed first individually. Freshman Micah Brox placed seventh, while freshman Elias Edwards came in eighth. Pictured, from left, are Philip Schidlovsky, Henry Jepson, Elias Edwards, John David, Caleb Brox, Micah Brox, and Andy Pratt. (Photo provided courtesy of Lois Szeliga)

By Bill Alden

As the Wilberforce School cross country runners competed in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public B championship meet earlier this month, Caleb Brox achieved a historic double for the Wolverine boys while the girls’ squad fell agonizingly short of making history of their own.

Senior Brox pulled away from the pack to place first individually in the Non-Public B boys’ race, making it two titles this fall as he had previously placed first in the Mercer County championship meet in mid-October.

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November 15, 2023

Hiltunen Gets Lone Tally, Goalie McCamey Posts Shutout As PU Women’s Soccer Tops Michigan in NCAA Opener

TUNED IN: Princeton University women’s soccer player Lexi Hiltunen, right, goes after the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Friday night, senior forward Hiltunen scored the lone goal as Princeton defeated Michigan in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The Tigers, now 10-5-3, will play at Texas Tech (16-1-4) on November 17 in a second round contest. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Lexi Hiltunen and Tyler McCamey could feel the pressure rising at opposite ends of the Roberts Stadium pitch.

The Princeton University women’s soccer team’s NCAA tournament first round game Friday against visiting Michigan remained scoreless through the first half and as the clock ticked toward the final 15 minutes of regulation. The Tigers had chances, twice hitting the cross bar, but hadn’t been able to score. more

Senior QB Stenstrom Undergoes Emotional Roller-Coaster As PU Football Falls to Yale in OT, Ending Ivy Title Hopes

LAST FLING: Princeton University quarterback Blake Stenstrom fires a pass last Saturday as Princeton hosted Yale. Playing in his final home game as a Tiger, senior Stenstrom connected on 20-of-36 passes for 240 yards and one touchdown in a losing cause as Princeton fell 36-28 to the Bulldogs in double overtime to get knocked out of the Ivy League title race. The Tigers, now 4-5 overall and 3-3 Ivy, play at Penn (6-3, 3-3 Ivy) on November 18 in their season finale. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Blake Stenstrom experienced an emotional roller-coaster as the Princeton University football team hosted Yale last Saturday in his last home game as a Tiger.

The day started with the annual Senior Day ceremony as Stenstrom and his classmate were introduced one by one before the game, escorted by their families onto the field.

“It is really special to play at Princeton, it has been a fantastic experience,” said quarterback Stenstrom, who transferred to Princeton from Colorado. “I think the culture of the team is what stands out, and just the guys who are on it. I am super honored to have been part of Princeton football for three year. I am going to miss the guys and the relationships I have built with them. You can’t put into words just how amazing my experience has been. It has been a blessing and I will miss it for sure.” more

With Battle-Tested Veterans Displaying Toughness, Tiger Men’s Basketball Produces Superb 2-0 Start

STRONG START: Princeton University men’s basketball player Caden Pierce dribbles upcourt in a recent practice session. Last Friday, sophomore forward Pierce scored a career-high 26 points and had 15 rebounds to help Princeton defeat Hofstra 74-67. He was later named the Ivy League Player of the Week. The Tigers, now 2-0, play at Duquesne on November 15 and at Monmouth on November 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

While the Princeton University men’s basketball program lost some key players to graduation from the squad that made a run to the NCAA Sweet 16 last March, the 2023-24 team appears to retained one of the chief qualities that led to that success.

Opening the season on November 6 by topping Rutgers 68-61 in the Jersey Jam at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, the Tigers displayed the resilience that made them so hard to beat last season down the stretch last winter. more

PHS Boys’ Soccer Produces Dramatic 2nd Half Rally, Edging Kearny 3-2 in NJSIAA Group 4 State Final

RALLY TIME: Princeton High boys’ soccer player Pasquale Carusone, right, controls the ball as PHS battled Kearny High in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 4 championship game last Saturday at Franklin High. Senior Carusone scored a second half goal as the Tigers rallied to a 3-2 win over the Kardinals to win their first state title since 2012. It was the fourth state crown for the program. PHS finished the fall with a 22-2 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Six years ago, the Princeton High boys’ soccer team fell to Kearny High 3-1 in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 4 championship game.

Last Saturday when the two powerhouses clashed in a rematch at this year’s Group 4 final at Franklin High, PHS didn’t waste any time, showing that things could be different in round two. more

Senior Matar Grandi Enjoyed Memorable Home Finale, Getting Goal as PHS Boys’ Soccer Rolled in State Semi

GRAND SLAM: Princeton High boys’ soccer player Felipe Matar Grandi goes after the ball in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 4 final last Saturday at Franklin High. Senior midfielder and co-captain Matar Grandi helped PHS top Kearny 3-2 as the Tigers won their first state title since 2012 and fourth overall. Matar Grandi tallied a goal as PHS topped Washington Township 4-0 in the state semis on last Wednesday to punch its ticket to the final. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Felipe Matar Grandi, some practice made perfect for him as the Princeton High boys’ soccer team hosted Washington Township in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 4 state semis last Wednesday afternoon.

With PHS leading Washington 1-0 in the second half, senior midfielder and co-captain Matar Grandi got position near the goal and with a ball flying towards him, he leaped up and headed the ball into the back of the net. more

Sparked by Agel’s Gritty Play in the Libero Spot, PHS Girls Volleyball Tops Millburn in State Final

PEARL JAM: Princeton High girls’ volleyball libero Pearl Agel lofts a pass in state tournament action. Last Sunday, junior Agel contributed 11 digs, six service points, and one assist to help PHS defeat Millburn 2-0 (25-21, 25-12) in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 3 final at Franklin High. The Tigers went 30-1 as they earned the first state crown in program history. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the libero for the Princeton High girls’ volleyball team, Pearl Agel stands out among her teammates as she wears a different color jersey and can only play on the back row under the rules of the sport.

While some may see the position as somewhat thankless with no chance to get the glory of blasting kills at the net, junior Agel relishes doing the dirty work of diving for digs and setting up her teammates. more

PDS Girls’ Soccer Raised its Game Down the Stretch, Topping Mount St. Dominic 2-0 in Non-Public A Final

RISING TO THE OCCASION: Princeton Day School girls’ soccer player Ella McLaren, left, heads the ball as PDS battled St. John Vianney in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public A South tournament. The Panthers went on to win the South tournament and last Friday and earned the Non-Public A title as they defeated Mount St. Dominic 2-0 in the state final at Franklin High. It was the first-ever Non-Public state title for the program. The Panthers finished the fall at 17-2-3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Mackenzie Brodel, it was a prayer answered and a dream come true, while Ella McLaren was rendered speechless.

Sophomores Brodel and McLaren played key roles last Friday night as the Princeton Day School girls’ soccer team defeated Mount St. Dominic 2-0 in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public A state final at Franklin High. Brodel scored a goal early in the second half to put PDS up 1-0 and McLaren helped anchor a stingy PDS defense that stifled the high-powered Lion attack.

With the foes locked in a scoreless tie headed into the second half, PDS was determined to break through.

“We were just doing the same thing that we always do,” said Brodel. “We were just looking to get the ball in the back of the net.” more

November 8, 2023

PU Football Rallies From Early Deficit at Dartmouth, But Loses 23-21 to Big Green, Hurting Ivy Title Hopes

TOUGH GOING: Princeton University running back John Volker gets corralled in a game earlier this season. Last Friday night, junior Volker rushed for two touchdowns in a losing cause as Princeton fell 23-21 at Dartmouth. The Tigers, now 4-4 overall and 3-2 Ivy League, host Yale (5-3 overall, 3-2 Ivy) on November 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Playing at Dartmouth last Friday night, the Princeton University football team outgained the Big Green 356 yards to 197 and outscored then 21-13 over the last three quarters.

But committing some key miscues in the first quarter and falling behind Dartmouth 10-0, the Tigers fought an uphill battle all night. more

Junior Midfielder Smith’s Passing Helps Spark Attack as PHS Boys’ Soccer Tops Howell in Sectional Final

GETTING HIS KICKS: Princeton High boys’ soccer player Archie Smith boots the ball in recent action. Last Saturday, junior midfielder Smith had two assists to help top-seeded PHS defeat second-seeded Howell 5-1 in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 4 sectional final. The Tigers, now 20-2, host South Jersey champion Washington Township (18-1-2) on November 8 in the Group 4 state semis with victor advancing to the final on November 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton High boys’ soccer team locked in a scoreless draw with Howell in the first half of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 4 sectional final last Saturday, Archie Smith won the ball and sprinted down the sideline.

Racing past the Howell defense, junior midfielder Smith slotted a pass to Pasquale Carusone, who buried the feed into the back of the net to put the Tigers up 1-0 in the eighth minute of the contest. more

Freshman Standout Smith Celebrates Birthday in Style as his Free Kick Put PHS Boys’ Soccer in Sectional Final

BIRTHDAY GIFT: Princeton High boys’ soccer player Harvey Smith, left, goes after the ball last Wednesday as top-seededPHS battled fourth-seeded Monroe in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 4 sectional semifinals. Freshman midfielder Smith, who was celebrating his 15th birthday that day, scored on a second half free kick to give PHS the margin of victory in a 2-1 triumph. Last Saturday, Smith contributed an assist as PHS defeated second-seeded Howell 5-1 in the sectional final. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Harvey Smith turned 15 last Wednesday and it ended up being a birthday he will never forget.

With the top-seeded Princeton High boys’ soccer team knotted in a 1-1 tie with fourth-seeded Monroe midway through the second half of a NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 4 sectional semifinal clash, freshman midfielder Smith blasted a free kick that caromed off the crossbar and went into the back of the net to put the Tigers up 2-1. more

PHS Girls’ Volleyball Enjoys Historic Afternoon, Making Sectional Final as Lygas Notches 500th Kill

500 CLUB: Princeton High girls’ volleyball player Naomi Lygas hits a serve in recent action. Last Thursday, sophomore star Lygas totaled a match-high 12 kills, including the 500th kill of her career, to help top-seeded PHS defeat fifth-seeded Brick Memorial 2-0 (25-14, 25-7) in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 3 semis. The Tigers, who improved to 27-1 with the win, were slated to host third-seeded Moorestown in the sectional final on November 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Naomi Lygas and the Princeton High girls’ volleyball team, it proved to be an historic afternoon last Thursday as the Tigers hosted Brick Memorial in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 3 semis.

Sophomore outside hitter Lygas starred as top-seeded PHS rolled to a 2-0 (25-14, 25-7) win over the fifth-seeded Mustangs, contributing a match-high 12 kills along with five digs as the Tigers advanced to their second straight sectional final and second in program history. Lygas made some personal history, recording the 500th kill of her career late in the second set.

With PHS having lost 2-1 to Colts Neck in the sectional final last year, the Tiger players were fired up to make a return trip to the title game.

“We always remember what happened last year and how we don’t want a repeat of that again,” said Lygas. “So I think one of our big motives is just continuing to push forward, everybody else wants the same thing and we did. We just have a mindset that we want it more. We want to get as far as we can because we know that we can. It is just important that we get there.” more