FAIRFIELD, Ohio — The Princeton High School girls basketball team is a regional champion for the fourth time in program history.
"I'm exceptionally proud of this team," Princeton coach Dee Davis said in a text message Sunday night. "Our young ladies have persevered this season."
Princeton defeated Walnut Hills 58-45 in a Division I regional final Sunday afternoon at Fairfield. The victory earns Princeton a trip to the state semifinal round for the second time in three seasons.
"People have counted us out and forgot who we are," Davis said. "We are champions through and through. No matter what the scoreboard says, our kids are winners."
Princeton (20-6) advances to play Springboro (22-4) in a state semifinal at 5 p.m. March 9 at Fairfield. Springboro is ranked No. 5 in the MaxPreps Ohio girls basketball rankings while Princeton is No. 19.
The winner of that game plays Rocky River Magnificat (20-5) or Pickerington Central (23-3) in the Division I state final at 8:30 p.m. March 15 at University of Dayton Arena.
Princeton earned the regional championship for the first time since 2023 when it was a Division I state champion.
"It's a very special feeling to head back to state with this group," Davis said. "It's very special when some of these kids were in middle school when we won last, and they told me that they would bring us more championships. They have, and I know they will continue to. Very proud of our Vikings. I'm also proud of our parents, administrators, students, staff and supporters. Viking Country is amazing."
Princeton also won the Division I state championship in 2014 and was a 1987 AAA state champion.
Princeton has won 13 consecutive games since an 11-point loss at Mason on Jan. 8. Entering Sunday, Princeton averaged 57.8 points and allowed an average of 41.6 points.
Davis, a 2003 Princeton graduate, is in her fourth season coaching her alma mater. A Phoenix, Ariz., trip earlier this season helped to challenge this team against some of the best competition in the country. It also prepared Princeton for a deep postseason.
"We've competed very hard this season and it took some time to figure things out, but our kids are playing for each other," Davis said. "We have such a special group and I'm very optimistic of how far we can go. I'm a proud coach."
Walnut Hills, which upset Mount Notre Dame in a regional semifinal, completed its season with a 20-6 record.
