Princeton Vikings defeated the Sycamore Aviators 63-57 at Lakota West High School, advancing to the regional semifinals. The Vikings improved to 18 wins for the season, and will play Fairmont at Fairfield on Feb. 26 at 5:00 p.m.

The game saw multiple runs and lead changes, with Princeton pulling away in the final minutes. Mari Guertin provided a late scoring presence for Princeton, reaching 17 points in the game, and Aaron Thomas finished with 17 points as well. Sycamore’s Brooke Burgess fouled out in the closing minute with 10 points. Kennedy Benjamin hit a buzzer 3 at halftime that gave Sycamore the 32-30 lead at the break, but Princeton regrouped in the second half.

Princeton relied on second-chance scoring and timely 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to build a decisive margin. The broadcast noted Princeton’s experience in tournament play and its coach, Dee Davis’s, four-year record, and highlighted Sycamore’s young core — including multiple freshmen starters — as a program with runway for the coming seasons.

Play-by-play announcer Bill Brett and the broadcast team credited both benches for key contributions: Ava Brockman came off the Sycamore bench with several momentum plays, and Cali Fortson and Mari Guertin supplied crucial points for Princeton. With 40 seconds to go Princeton led by four points; Sycamore could not convert on late possessions and the Vikings closed out the win.

Princeton will face Fairmont in the regional semifinals at Fairfield on Feb. 26 at 5:00 p.m., according to the broadcast. The Vikings’ victory secures their spot in the next round of the regional tournament.