March 20, 2024

Hoops Hysteria

Members of the Princeton University women’s basketball team shout for joy last Sunday night when they learned their assignment for the NCAA tournament. The Tigers, who topped Columbia 75-58 in the final of the Ivy Madness postseason tourney on Saturday to punch their ticket to the NCAA tournament, are seeded ninth in the Albany 2 Region and will face No. 8 West Virginia in Iowa City, Iowa, on March 23 in a first round contest. For more details on the team and its postseason run, see page 24. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

Mitchell Helps PU Women’s Hoops Roll to Ivy Title, Tigers to Face West Virginia in NCAA 1st Round Clash

FOR THE RECORD: Princeton University women’s basketball player Ellie Mitchell, left, hauls in a rebound in recent action. Last Friday, senior forward Mitchell had 12 rebounds to help top-seeded Princeton defeat fourth-seeded Penn 59-54 in the semis of the Ivy Madness postseason tournament. In so doing, Mitchell moved to 1,100 rebounds in her career, the most in Princeton history, male or female. A day later, the Tigers defeated second-seeded and host Columbia 75-58 in the final. Princeton, now 25-4 overall, will be playing in the NCAA tournament where it is seeded ninth in the Albany 2 Region and will face No. 8 West Virginia (24-7 overall, 12-6 Big 12) in Iowa City on March 23. The winner will take on the victor of No 1 Iowa and No. 16s Holy Cross/UT Martin who play a First Four game in the second round. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton University women’s basketball team clinging to a 57-54 lead against Penn in the Ivy Madness postseason tournament last Friday, Ellie Mitchell put her body on the line to help the Tigers.

Princeton senior forward Mitchell hustled to the baseline and took a charge from Jordan Obi, sprawling to the floor as the Tigers regained possession. Madison St. Rose went on to make two free throws for Princeton to close the deal in a 59-54 win. more

After Getting Stunned by Brown in Ivy Madness Semis, PU Men’s Hoops Aims to Rebound as it Hosts UNLV in NIT

BEARING DOWN: Princeton University men’s basketball player Dalen Davis dribbles upcourt in recent action. Last Saturday, freshman guard Davis scored a team-high 21 points in a losing cause as top-seeded Princeton fell 90-81 to fourth-seeded Brown in the semifinals of the Ivy Madness postseason tournament at Columbia. The Tigers, who dropped to 24-4 with the loss to the Bears, will be competing in the National Invitation Tournament where they will host UNLV in a first round contest on March 20. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Mitch Henderson has fond memories of the last time that he played UNLV.

The Princeton University men’s basketball head coach is hoping his Tigers can make good memories against the Runnin’ Rebels when they host them in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) this Wednesday night, March 20, at Jadwin Gym. more

Freshman Midfielder Wade Steps Up with 4 Goals, But PU Men’s Lax Falls to Cornell on Last-Second Tally

TUCKING IN: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Tucker Wade races upfield in recent action. Last Sunday, freshman midfielder Wade scored a career-high four goals but it wasn’t enough as No. 13 Princeton got edged 15-14 by No. 15 Cornell on a last second goal in the Ivy League opener for both teams. The Tigers, now 4-3 overall and 0-1 Ivy, play at Harvard (6-1 overall, 0-1 Ivy) on March 23. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

By Bill Alden

Tucker Wade broke into the starting lineup for the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team in the sixth game this season and is making the most of the opportunity.

After tallying two assists in five games off the bench to start his career, freshman midfielder Wade scored two goals in a 14-8 win over Rutgers on March 10 in his first college start.

“It is always exciting to play more and be a part of this program,” said Wade, a 6’0, 195-pound native of Bethesda, Md. “I wouldn’t want to do it with any other team.” more

Playing Harder, Smarter Down the Stretch, Stuart Basketball Ended Season with a Bang

MAKING A STATEMENT: Stuart Country Day School basketball player Taylor States dribbles past a foe in a game this winter. Sophomore forward States averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds this season in helping Stuart go 6-7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

While the Stuart Country Day School basketball team got off to a shaky start this winter, the Tartans ended the season with a bang.

Stuart lost two of its first three games and had a 3-7 record in early February, but ended the campaign with three straight lopsided wins.

Tartan head coach Tony Bowman acknowledged that his squad was out of synch in the early going this winter. more

With Young Players Gaining Valuable Experience, PDS Boys’ Hoops Has Solid Foundation in Place

JORDAN RULES: Princeton Day School boys’ basketball player Jordan Owens heads to the rim in a game this winter. Sophomore guard Owens scored 212 points this season to help the Panthers go 7-16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It turned out to be a season of growth for the Princeton Day School boys’ basketball team as its lineup featured young players in key roles.

In reflecting on the campaign which saw three freshmen, a sophomore, and two juniors see the bulk of playing time, PDS head coach Eugene Burroughs liked the way youth was served this winter.
“I think my kids did a great job of progressing throughout the year,” said Burroughs, whose team posted a 7-16 record and made the Prep B state semis. “When you look at our scores and watch how we played earlier in the year, it was more focused on playing hard and competing. Then we shifted into the next phase, defending and rebounding at a good level. We improved in that area and then we shifted to focusing on offense.  more

Making Huge Progress in 2nd Season Back Wrestling, Princeton Resident Renda Made States for Notre Dame

WILL TO WIN: Notre Dame High wrestler and Princeton resident Will Renda celebrates with coach EJ Nemeth at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Region 6 tourney after clinching a spot at 215 pounds in the Boys Wrestling State Championships in Atlantic City. Junior Renda went on to go 2-2 in his debut at states, falling in the third place consolations. (Photo provided by Will Renda)

By Bill Alden

Will Renda enjoyed competing for the Princeton Amateur Wrestling Society (PAWS) as a grade schooler, but he eventually got away from the mat.

The versatile Renda focused on football, lacrosse, and basketball in middle school before entering Notre Dame High in 2021.

But as he worked out after his freshman football season at Notre Dame, Princeton resident Renda started thinking about returning to the mat. more

March 13, 2024

After Routing Penn to Win Regular Season League Crown, Tiger Men’s Hoops Facing Brown in Ivy Madness Semis

ZACH ATTACK: Princeton University men’s basketball player Zach Martini looks to unload the ball in recent action. Last Saturday, senior forward Martini scored a career-high 23 points to help Princeton defeat Penn 105-83 in its regular season finale as the Tigers clinched the outright  Ivy League regular season title. The Tigers, now 24-3 overall and 12-2 Ivy, will compete in the Ivy Madness postseason tournament this weekend at Columbia’s Levien Gym in New York City. Princeton is seeded first and will face fourth-seeded Brown in a semifinal contest on March 16. The victor will play the winner of the Cornell-Yale semi on Sunday in the title game with victor in the final to receive the league’s automatic bid to the upcoming NCAA tournament. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

As the Princeton University men’s basketball team boarded the bus to Philadelphia to play at Penn on Saturday evening, they already knew they had accomplished two of their goals.

But the Tigers didn’t let the news that they had already locked up the No. 1 seed for the Ivy League Madness postseason tournament and at least a share of the Ivy regular-season title lull them into complacency as they took to the Palestra court for the final regular season game. more

Senior Guard Chen Produces Special Jadwin Finale As PU Women’s Hoops Tops Penn to Share Ivy Title

TITLE DRIVE: Princeton University women’s basketball player Kaitlyn Chen, left, drives past a foe in recent action. Last Saturday, senior guard Chen enjoyed a special finale at Jadwin Gym, tallying 19 points with a career-high 11 assists and seven rebounds to help Princeton defeat Penn 72-55 and clinch a tie for the Ivy League regular season title with Columbia. The Tigers, now 23-4 overall and 13-1 Ivy, will compete in the Ivy Madness postseason tournament this weekend at Columbia’s Levien Gym in New York City. Princeton is seeded first and will face fourth-seeded Penn in a semifinal contest on March 15. The victor will play the winner of the Columbia-Harvard semi on Saturday in the title game for the league’s automatic bid to the upcoming NCAA tournament. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Kaitlyn Chen’s final game at Jadwin Gym for the Princeton University women’s basketball team started with smiles and hugs as she was honored in the program’s annual Senior Day ceremony last Saturday afternoon.

Senior point guard Chen was joined by her family who traveled from Southern California, along with classmates Chet Nweke and Ellie Mitchell and their families.

“It was really special to be with them, this school is just amazing and it is surrounded by such great people,” said Chen, a 5’9 native of San Marino, Calif. “I am just lucky to be here and be able to celebrate this with them.” more

Sparked by Stifling Defense, Sharp Shooting, Princeton Men’s Lacrosse Defeats Rutgers 14-8

CAUSING HAVOC: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Michael Bath controls the ball against Tigers last Sunday. Junior defender Bath helped lead a stifling defensive effort as the Tigers topped Rutgers 14-8. Bath set a program single-game record of six caused turnovers in the win and also scooped up four ground balls and was later named the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week. Princeton, now 4-2 and ranked 13th nationally, hosts No. 15 Cornell (3-2) on March 17 in the Ivy League opener for both teams. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

By Bill Alden

Heading into its clash at Rutgers last Sunday afternoon, the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team steeled itself by playing three straight road games against Top 20 teams.

The Tigers fell 13-7 at then-No. 4 Maryland on February 24 before heading down Tobacco Road to start March, defeating then-No. 19 North Carolina 15-9 in Chapel Hill on March 1 before falling 17-8 at then-No. 1 Duke in Durham two days later.

“We learned a lot from that weekend, not only about our skill set but our team as a whole,” said Princeton head coach Matt Madalon in assessing the jaunt to North Carolina. “Being able to take a trip like that was really just a nice opportunity.” more

Despite Outshooting Harvard 38-16 in ECACH Playoff, PU Men’s Hockey Edged 1-0 By Crimson to End Season

RUING THE DAY: Princeton University men’s hockey player Tyler Rubin, left, goes after the puck in a game last season. Last Friday, sophomore defenseman Rubin and the Tigers fell 1-0 at Harvard in a single-elimination ECAC Hockey playoff opening round contest. The defeat left the Tigers with a final overall record of 10-16-4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In late December, the Princeton University men’s hockey team defeated visiting Harvard 5-2, making the most out of its opportunities as it outshot the Crimson 31-30.

Last Friday when the rivals met in a ECAC Hockey single-elimination first round playoff contest in Cambridge, Mass., Princeton built a 38-16 edge in shots and won 31 of 53 face-offs. more

Taking a More Serious Approach Down the Stretch, PHS Girls’ Hockey Advanced to Annis Cup Semis

TIP OF THE SPEIR: Princeton High girls’ hockey player Cassie Speir, right, chases down the puck in a game during the 2022-23 season. Junior star Speir scored 31 goals this winter to help PHS advance to the Annis Cup semis and go 3-11 (including 1-1 in two games against the Lawrenceville School JV). (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the winter unfolded, Christian Herzog urged the players on his Princeton High girls’ hockey team to take a more business-like approach when they took the ice.

“We had some talks at the end of the season, like ladies we can always come out and laugh it up and dance to music in between periods at the games, I would like to make this more serious,” said PHS head coach Christian Herzog. “I want us to lean towards a team that is more serious the whole game.” more

Building a Positive Culture Under New Coach Szeker, Hun Boys’ Hockey Paving the Way for Future Success

STICKING WITH IT: Hun School boys’ hockey player Brendan Marino, left, goes after the puck in a game last season. Senior forward Marino’s production was a bright spot for the Hun offense as the Raiders went 3-12 this winter. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In taking the helm of the Hun School boys’ hockey team this winter, Eric Szeker was looking to lay the foundation for something special.

“The biggest thing this year was trying to develop a culture and a way that we want to play every single day, whether that is practice or a game,” said Szeker, a 2013 Hun alum who served as the captain of the Raiders in his senior season and went on to play college hockey at Western New England University.

“It was having our Hun hockey identity rebranded to what I would like to see from it and what we want to see out of the long term. I think we were able to do that this year, which was one of our biggest successes.” more

With Players Showing Improvement Across the Board, Hun Boys’ Hoops Kept Growing as Season Unfolded

GAME TYME: Hun School boys’ basketball player Drae Tyme, right, heads to the hoops in a game this season. Junior forward Tyme, who also stars in football, gave the Raiders some rugged inside play this winter as they went 10-14 and advanced to the Prep A state semifinals. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For the Hun School boys’ basketball team, its run in the Prep A state tournament epitomized the up-and-down campaign produced by the squad this winter.

Hun defeated Peddie 86-60 in its Prep A opener on February 15 before falling 67-59 at Blair in a semifinal contest four days later to end the season with a 10-14 record.  more

March 6, 2024

After Getting Sidelined by Hard Fall Against Columbia, Allocco Returns to Help PU Men’s Hoops Edge Cornell

ALL IN: Princeton University men’s basketball player Matt Allocco looks to pass the ball last Friday night against Columbia. Bouncing back from a knock that sidelined him in the second half of Princeton’s 84-70 win over the Lions, Allocco scored 19 points as the Tigers edged Cornell 79-77 a night later in Ivy League first-place showdown. Princeton, now 23-3 overall and 11-2 Ivy, plays at Penn on March 9 in its regular season finale. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton University men’s basketball team hosted Columbia last Friday night, Matt Allocco got knocked out of the game late in the first half.

Princeton senior guard and co-captain Allocco crashed to the floor when taking a charge and didn’t return for the second half as he was treated by the program’s medical staff while the Tigers pulled away to an 84-70 win.

While Allocco’s status for Saturday’s regular season home finale and Ivy League first-place showdown against Cornell was unclear, he had no doubt that he would take the court for his Senior Night. more

PU Women’s Hoops Sweeps Harvard, Dartmouth As Mitchell’s Aggressive Play Makes a Difference

LEAVING IT ON THE COURT: Princeton University women’s basketball player Ellie Mitchell hits the floor to get a loose ball last Friday against Harvard. Senior star forward Mitchell came up big last weekend for the Tigers, scoring six points with nine rebounds as Princeton defeated Harvard 60-49 on Friday and then had six points along with six rebounds, one assist, and two steals in a 68-42 win over Dartmouth a day later. The Tigers, now 22-4 overall and 12-1 Ivy League, host Penn on March 9 in their regular season finale. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton University women’s basketball team coming off a tough 67-65 loss at Columbia to end February, Ellie Mitchell sense that the Tigers were primed to get back on the winning track as they hosted Harvard and Dartmouth last weekend to start March.

“We know there was a lot we could improve on, hopefully there is a lot left for us in March,” said Princeton senior forward Mitchell. “We were excited to get back on the court and try to make a statement game with Harvard and then Dartmouth, one at a time.” more

Junior Star Blake Tallies 3 Goals for PU Women’s Lax, But Tigers Edged 11-9 by Yale in Ivy League Opener

MAC ATTACK: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player McKenzie Blake unloads the ball in a 2022 game. Last Saturday, junior attacker Blake tallied three goals in a losing cause as Princeton fell 11-9 to Yale in the Ivy League opener for both teams. The No. 21 Tigers, now 2-2 overall and 1-1 Ivy, host Monmouth on March 6. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

McKenzie Blake and the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team will try to get back on track against Monmouth this Wednesday evening as they host the Hawks in non-conference play.

A dreary afternoon last Saturday with driving rain all game was made a little worse for the Tigers when they lost, 11-9, to Yale in their Ivy League opener. Princeton dropped to 2-2 overall as it heads into three straight non-conference games. more

Sophomore Jacobs Providing an Offensive Spark As PU Men’s Hockey Heads into ECACH Playoffs

ON THE STICK: Princeton University men’s hockey player David Jacobs sends the puck up the ice in a game last season. Last Friday, sophomore forward Jacobs tallied two goals and an assist as Princeton rallied to tie visiting St. Lawrence 4-4 through regulation and overtime and then came up short in a penalty shootout. The Tigers, who fell 6-2 to Clarkson on Saturday to move to 10-15-4 overall and 8-11-3 ECAC Hockey, are the ninth-seed in the upcoming ECACH playoffs and will play at eighth-seeded Harvard on Friday in a single-elimination opening round contest with the victor advancing to the best-of-three quarterfinal series from March 15-17.(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Princeton University men’s hockey player David Jacobs, taking a nasty hit against Yale in late February that split his chin open and required 24 stitches hasn’t slowed him down.

“It is just in a tough spot,” said Princeton sophomore forward Jacobs. “We wear cages in this league, so it is not so big of a deal. It sucked that it happened. It is what it is — it’s hockey.” more

Taking 6th at 138 in N.J. Wrestling Championships, Junior Mele Moves Closer to His Goal of a State Title

BLASE OF GLORY: Princeton High wrestler Blasé Mele, left, controls a foe in action this season. Last Saturday, junior Mele placed sixth at 138 pounds in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Boys Wrestling State Championships in Atlantic City.

By Justin Feil

Blasé Mele is hoping to continue his trend of improving his state finish each year.

The Princeton High junior placed sixth at 138 pounds in his third trip to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Boys Wrestling State Championships in Atlantic City on Saturday.

“It’s such a hard tournament,” said Mele. “I’ve been there twice. The environment is like no other. I’d like to say I’ve competed everywhere, and the environment is like no other. It’s starting to set in how it’s been pretty cool. I have one more year and I’m shooting for gold. I’m trying to get Princeton its first state title.” more

PDS Girls’ Hockey Falls Just Short of State Final, Losing in Semis on Late Rally by Immaculate Heart

HEARTBREAKER: Princeton Day School girls’ hockey player Lily Ryan races up the ice in a game earlier this season. Last Wednesday, senior star Ryan tallied a goal and an assist as second-seeded PDS fell 4-3 to third-seeded Immaculate Heart Academy in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Girls’ Ice Hockey State Tournament semis at the Mennen Sports Arena. The Panthers, who led the Blue Eagles 3-1 in the third period, ended the winter with a 12-6 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It was round four this winter between the Princeton Day School girls’ hockey team and Immaculate Heart Academy as the foes met in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Girls’ Ice Hockey State Tournament semis last Wednesday at the Mennen Sports Arena.

In the previous three meetings, the teams played tight, tense contests with PDS coming away with two wins, including a 4-3 victory over the Blue Eagles in the Librera Cup semifinals on February 7 in their last clash before the state tournament. more

February 28, 2024

Final Takeoff

Princeton High girls’ swimmer Kyleigh Tangen takes off to do the anchor leg in the 400-yard freestyle relay last Sunday as PHS battled Chatham in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group B state final at the Rutgers Aquatics Center. Tangen and the Tigers fell just short of a second straight statetitle as they lost 89-81 to the Cougars to end the winter at 14-1. For more details on the meet, see page 28. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

Fillier Saving Her Best for Last for PU Women’s Hockey, Starring as Tigers Top Dartmouth in ECACH Playoff Opener

GOING OUT WITH A BANG: Princeton University women’s hockey player Sarah Fillier, right, races up the ice in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior star forward and team captain Fillier tallied three goals and an assist to help seventh-seeded Princeton top 10th-seeded Dartmouth 5-1 in a single-elimination contest in the opening round of the ECAC Hockey tournament. The Tigers, now 14-10-6 overall, will play at second-seeded Clarkson (29-3-2) in a best-of-three ECACH quarterfinal series starting on March 1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Playing in her last game at Hobey Baker Rink for the Princeton University women’s hockey team last Saturday afternoon, Sarah Fillier didn’t waste any time showing that her home finale was going to be one to remember.

With seventh-seeded Princeton hosting 10th-seeded Dartmouth in a single-elimination contest in the opening round of the ECAC Hockey tournament, senior star and team captain Fillier tallied a goal and and an assist to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead. more

Bringing a Special Perspective after Cancer Ordeal, Palumbo Emerges as Star Midfielder for PU Men’s Lax

DEVELOPING SITUATION: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Chad Palumbo heads to goal in recent action. Sophomore Palumbo has emerged as a bright spot for the Tigers, providing scoring punch from the midfield. He totaled five goals and one assist as the Tigers started the season by defeatingMonmouth 15-5 on February 18 and then topped Manhattan 15-6 two days later. Last Saturday, Palumbo chipped in two assists as the Tigers fell 13-7 at No. 4 Maryland. No. 15 Princeton plays at No. 18 North Carolina on March 1 and at No. 1 Duke on March 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Chad Palumbo has a special motivation to make the most out of every moment he is on the field for the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team.

Heading into his senior year in high school in 2021, Palumbo was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in soft tissue, and he underwent six months of chemotherapy in order to beat it. more

Nweke Helps Spark Late Rally for PU Women’s Hoops, But Tigers Fall Just Short in 67-65 Defeat at Columbia

TIGHT BATTLE: Princeton University women’s basketball player Chet Nweke guards a foe in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior forward Nweke scored 17 points in a losing cause as Princeton fell 67-65 at Columbia. The Tigers, now 20-4 overall and 10-1 Ivy League, host Harvard on March 1 and Dartmouth on March 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Chet Nweke had the rebound in her hands for a split second under the basket with just a couple seconds left in regulation, and then it was gone along with a long winning streak.

The ball was dislodged from the senior forward for the Princeton University women’s basketball team and the Tigers suffered a 67-65 loss at Columbia before a sold-out crowd of 2,698 at Levien Gymnasium on Saturday, their first Ivy League loss of the year, and first in 25 straight Ivy games overall spanning back two seasons. Their 24-game conference winning streak was fourth best in the country. more

PHS Girls’ Swimming Edged by Chatham in State Final As Tangen’s Sprinting Prowess Thrills to the Last Stroke

SPRINTING STAR: Princeton High girls’ swimmer Kyleigh Tangen heads to victory in the 100-yard freestyle at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group B state final last Sunday at the Rutgers Aquatics Center. Tangen also placed first in the 50 free as the Tigers fell just short of winning their second straight state title, losing 89-81 to Chatham in a meet that came down to the final event. PHS finished the season with a 14-1 record. 

By Bill Alden

As the roar of the crowd packing the Rutgers Aquatics Center hit ear-splitting levels last Sunday afternoon with the state title rematch between Princeton High girls’ swimming team and Chatham coming down to the final event, Kyleigh Tangen kept her mind on the task at hand.

With PHS trailing Chatham 79-77 as the foes hit the water for the 400-yard freestyle relay, Tiger senior Tangen stood in the blocks ready to swim the anchor leg, surveying the situation. more