LOYALTY POINTS: Davon Black puts up a shot for LoyalTees in recent action in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League. Last Monday, former Princeton High boy’s hoops star Black scored 18 points to help LoyalTees top King’s Pizzarama 58-52 to improve to 5-2. In other games on Monday, Majeski Foundation defeated the PA Blue Devils 72-53 to improve to 7-0 and Princeton Special Sports/Liquid Outdoor Advertising edged PEAC Performance 66-63. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Although the LoyalTees team was put together just weeks before the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League started action this June, the squad has come together quickly.

The team jumped out to a 2-0 start in the first week of league play and is battling for second place in the eight-team league.

Former Princeton High boys’ hoops star Davon Black, who helped form the team, isn’t surprised by LoyalTees’ success.

“Everybody knows how to play basketball, everybody is unselfish,” said Black, noting that the squad features former Trenton High standout Terry Taylor, former PHS and The College of New Jersey star Skye Ettin, PHS teammate Jamyl Williams, along with Nathaniel Wyatte and Darrin Elam-Council.

“Nobody cares about who scores, it is easy. Everybody is just happy passing the ball and making the extra pass and smiling. We are winning.”

Last Monday, the LoyalTees players had some anxious moments before ending the night with smiles as they topped King’s Pizzarama 58-52 in improving to 5-2. After leading 36-25 at halftime, LoyalTees saw its advantage whittled to 56-52 with two minutes left in regulation.

“We are usually a second half team but they hit a couple of shots,” said Black. “We kept it together.”

Black hit some big shots to help LoyalTees prevail, tallying a team-high 18 points.

“Some nights I need to score and some nights I just need to pass,” said Black, who drained six free throws on the evening.

With LoyalTees coming off a tough 67-58 loss to the PA Blue Devils last Friday, it was looking to get back on the winning track in its clash with King’s, last season’s playoff runner-up.

“King’s doesn’t have a win so I didn’t want them to sneak up,” said Black.

“Coming off a loss, I didn’t want to get too far behind Majeski (the TCNJ entry in the league). I want to close out that two seed for the playoffs.”

For Black, helping LoyalTees do well in the playoffs is a matter of personal pride.

“We want to make a run and finish, I have been there twice to the finals and haven’t won one,” said Black.

“This is my time to be the guy and be the leader. It is fun having my own team.”