Eagles preparing for hoops lift-off

A word to the wise for teams playing Division V basketball — don't let the Princeton High Eagles fly under your radar.

Sporting an unassuming 8-11 season mark, Princeton is also perched comfortably on the Pioneer League nest with a 5-0 record following Tuesday's 75-42 demolition of the Elks in Elk Creek. With three of the league's five team winless at the time of writing, and Providence Christian the second-place team, the Eagles are poised to hatch another post-season run.

Against Elk Creek, it was all over but the shouting in the first period, when Princeton charged out to a 27-8 lead. The Eagles never looked back, with their 13-point fourth quarter the lowest of any quarter.

Princeton freshman Fernando Sotelo made sure he had a game to remember, as he eclipsed his season averages in scoring and rebounding, recording a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds. He averages 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

His 14 points tied for second best with Will Martin, who drained three 3-pointers, but were two less than Cody Hansen's 16. Jared Mascadri also added 12, to go along with nine boards and four assists.

The Elks' Lonnie Forbes captured game-bragging rights with 19 points - as well as his 17 rebounds - with teammate Kyle Wycoff putting up 13 points.

Princeton hosted Providence Friday, and plays at home Tuesday versus American Christian Academy.

The Elks (1-17, 0-3 Pioneer League) host Herlong Tuesday, turn around and visit Herlong Thursday, and wrap up their season Friday playing Providence Christian on the road.

Princeton 75, Elk Creek 42

Princeton 27 15 20 13 -75

Elk Creek 8 14 12 8 -42

Princeton (75): Hansen, 16; Sotelo, 14; Martin, 14; Mascadri, 12; Angus, 6; Arias, 5; Zoller, 5; Dominguez, 2; Gonzalez, 1

Elk Creek (42): Forbes, 19; Wycoff, 13; Francis, 2; Cano, 2; Burrows, 2; King, 2; Bill, 2