BRINGING IT ON: DeQuan Holman heads to the hoop last Monday in the Princeton High gym for Bring Me Food as it faced Ivy Inn in game one of the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League best-of-three championship series. Former PHS standout Holman scored a team-high 18 points to help second-seeded Bring Me Food defeat Ivy Inn 54-39 in the opener. Game 2 of the series is scheduled for July 29 at the Community Park courts with Game 3, if necessary, slated for July 31. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

DeQuan Holman had been a fixture in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League over the years.

During his career with the Princeton High boys’ basketball team, which saw him help the Little Tigers to the Central Jersey Group 3 sectional finals in 2009 as a senior, Holman played for the Princeton Youth Sports entry in the summer league.

After graduating from PHS, he continued to spend his summers on the Community Park courts, helping University Radiology to the league title in 2011 and then starring for Dr. Palmer.

This summer, Holman has assumed the wily veteran role for Bring Me Food as it has played its debut season in the league.

“I have actually never played with these guys before, it is actually pretty different for me,” said Holman. “I am the oldest by far, that is a new feeling for me. I am used to being the youngest.”

Last Monday evening in the Princeton High gym, Holman displayed his savvy and skill, scoring a team-high 18 points to help second-seeded Bring Me Food defeat Ivy Inn 54-39 in Game 1 of the league’s best-of-three championship series. Game 2 of the series is scheduled for July 29 at the Community Park courts with Game 3, if necessary, slated for July 31.

Having lost 57-48 to Ivy Inn in a regular season game on July 15, Holman and his teammates were determined to turn the tables in the rematch.

“We wanted to come out strong,” said Holman. “The last time we played them, I think they went up 12-0 to start the game and we just didn’t want to start like that. We moved the ball around because we knew they were going to play zone.”

Trailing 17-15 late in the first half, Bring Me Food went on an 11-2 run to take a 26-19 halftime lead. Building on that momentum, the team clicked on all cylinders in the second half as it pulled away to the victory.

“We moved the ball the best we have the entire year in this game,” asserted Holman, reflecting on the win which saw Nick Davidson score 15 points and Vince Afield add 13 for Bring Me Food with Sherm Brittingham leading Ivy Inn with a game-high 21.

“It is coming at a good time. This is the most enjoyable game I think we have played together, especially against the competition we played against.”

That ball movement paved the way for Holman to score 11 points in the second half as he repeatedly attacked the basket.

“I think I was just taking advantage of opportunities, honestly; they started to key a little bit more on Davon (Black),” said Holman.

“His athleticism to go by his first defender helped a lot and from there I was just able to take advantage of open spots. They would collapse on him and I would just take advantage of it one-on-one. I think I excel at that aspect.”

While Holman was more than willing to carry the scoring load on Monday, he is more focused on getting his teammates on the same page.

“My role for this team is to keep everyone together and lead by example,” said Holman.

“If I come out there and take all of the shots, everyone else is going to do that behind me. Even if I don’t score, we can win as long as everyone is involved so I try to keep everyone together. Nick (Davidson) can score, Vince (Anfield) can score. As long as everyone stays involved, everyone feels like they are part of the game.”

Holman feels good about Bring Me Food’s chances to clinch the title in Game 2.

“Coming into Wednesday, we have to start hot and get them feeling like it is over and not give them anything to hang on,” said Holman.

“Because if you give them time to hang around the game, you know those guys can score. We don’t want to give them anything to hang their hats on. I am happy about the win today and the way we won.”