Basketball, Game Coverage, High School

Princeton Pulls Away from Wayne

By Cole Swafford | CSwaff Media
Photography by Cole Swafford | CSwaff Shots

CINCINNATI, OH — Princeton’s postseason run continued Wednesday night as the Vikings pulled away from Huber Heights Wayne for a 62-41 victory at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

5 Star Recruit Kam Mercer brings the ball up the court to begin the game.

The regional semifinal was competitive early, with Wayne matching Princeton’s intensity and keeping the Vikings from creating much separation. Princeton eventually found its rhythm, using defensive pressure and strong play around the basket to take control.

The Vikings carried a 28-23 lead into halftime, but the game remained within reach for Wayne entering the second half. The Warriors continued to battle and trimmed the deficit to single digits during the third quarter.

4 Star Recruit Amire Gill checks out of the game in the final minutes.

Princeton responded with its best stretch of the night late in the game. Wayne went through a five-minute scoring drought, allowing the Vikings to put together a 15-0 run and turn the five-point halftime advantage into a comfortable lead.

Kam Mercer finished the night with a game-high 20 points and provided one of the game’s biggest highlights when he finished a breakaway dunk during Princeton’s decisive run.

Rognny Santiago-Lugo added 19 points for the Vikings and knocked down all three of Princeton’s three-pointers.

Junior Hayden Kocher celebrates from the bench after a bucket.

Wayne received 13 points from Kaden Post, who connected on four three-pointers, while Dontay Chivers contributed 12 points.

Princeton’s defense was especially effective in the second half. The Vikings forced 14 turnovers and limited Wayne to 20.6 percent shooting after halftime. Princeton also controlled the paint throughout the game.

The victory improved Princeton to 22-3 and sent the Vikings into the Division I regional championship game. Wayne finished its season with a 19-5 record.

Princeton will return to the Cintas Center for the regional final against Oak Hills, with a trip to the state tournament on the line.

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