Game against Notre Dame High School. NHS-55; PHS-52 OT

In a close game that came down to the last minute of regulation and into one overtime period, missed field goals and free throws and abundant and unnecessary fouls turned out to be the downfall of Princeton High School.

Notre Dame, which seemed like a carbon copy of Springfield-Delco, made a very high percentage of its field goals and free throws. Perhaps there is a pattern with PHS having trouble with good-shooting and disciplined teams. Their only two losses of the season came against teams of this nature.

A major component to PHS's offense is its fast break. However, Notre Dame neutralized it with a very good transition defense. Every player on their team sprinted back on defense to stop the PHS attack.

At the half, Notre Dame was up two. However, PHS went on a surge in the third quarter. Josh Gordon hit a three pointer to extend the lead to 27-24. Then, off a steal, DeQuan Holman sprinted down the floor and joined AJ Dowers as the only players to dunk in a game. The Little Tigers then extended their lead to ten. At that point, PHS should have retained the mental advantage but on Notre Dame's next possession, they hit a three to combat the excitement in the gym.

PHS led 42-39 at the end of three. However, PHS reached the double bonus very quickly and sent Notre Dame to the line many times in the fourth quarter. With less than a minute left and the score tied 46-46, PHS had the last shot. Although Dequan Holman had an open look from three, it rimmed in and out. Into overtime they went.

In the overtime period, Notre Dame got the lead very quickly and never lost it. Although PHS cut it to 1, turnovers on offense, too many fouls and missed shots are why PHS lost. Notre Dame didn't help the PHS cause by making all of its free throws down the stretch.

DeQuan Holman was the high scorer for PHS with 14 points and added 7 assists and 5 rebounds. Both Skye Ettin and AJ Dowers scored 10 points and Brian Dunlap had 9.

PHS will take on Trenton Central High School this Friday, January 16, and Northern Burlington on Saturday, January 17. Also, the Lawrence game has been rescheduled to February 12 according to HighSchoolSports.net.

By Jamie Peretzman