TEEING OFF: Terrance Bailey of LoyalTees heads to the hoop in recent action in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League. Last Monday. Bailey scored 18 points to help LoyalTees defeat Majeski Foundation 73-62 and improve to 4-0. In other action on Monday, Cure Insurance defeated Gomo Health 67-44 and NJ Spiritwear topped Apex Sport 70-43. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It was a battle of unbeatens when LoyalTees faced Majeski Foundation last Monday evening in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League.

Terrance Bailey and his LoyalTees teammates were primed for the clash at the Community Park courts.

“We knew this was going to be a tough game,” said Bailey. “We just wanted to come out and keep the tone going and set it right.”

LoyalTees fell behind 9-4 in the early going to Majeski, whose roster is comprised of players from The College of New Jersey men’s hoops team, but battled back to knot the game at 33-33 at halftime.

“We had to keep our composure,” said Bailey. “We are a real talented team and sometimes we get the urge just to go instead of slowing it down, swinging the ball and taking the best shots.”

In the second half, LoyalTees utilized some aggressive play at both ends of the court in pulling away to a 73-62 win as it improved to 4-0.

“We needed to attack more, we were settling more behind the line in the first half and shooting more 3s than going inside,” said Bailey, who particularly relished the victory as a former TCNJ player who competed for Majeski last summer.

“Rebounding was a big key for us too. I felt that as soon as we calmed down, everything fell into place. We went to the hole and we were finishing our layups. It was a good game.”

A big key for LoyalTees in its hot start has been its good inside-out game which features Nick Davidson and Zahrion Blue patrolling the paint with Vince Anfield, Davon Black, Eric Murdock Jr., and Bailey attacking from the perimeter.

“Vince and Murdock are the two point guards, they set the tone for Davon, Nick, and me,” said Bailey, who scored 18 points in the win with Davidson tallying 22 to lead the way. “Once they get it going, we feed off of their energy.”

The versatile Bailey is looking to bring energy and production to LoyalTees.

“I am here for everything, scoring, rebounding, whatever they need,” said Bailey. “I can get two points, three rebounds, and lock down on defense. If we win, I don’t care.”

After LoyalTees pulled out a tough 60-55 win over NJ Spiritwear on opening night, its players developed a better sense of what each needed to do for the squad.

“We picked up quick because we are all talented players,” said Bailey. “Our biggest challenge was having this many people together, this much talent, and adapting to it. After the first game, we knew everybody’s role. We are quick learners, we are quick on our feet. We are ready to go.”

In Bailey’s view, LoyalTees is ready to make a title run this summer. “If we keep our composure, don’t get big-headed and bring this type of intensity to every game, we will be hard to stop,” said Bailey.