Versatility has been a key to success for Princeton Day School during this boys’ basketball season.
Princeton Day School’s ability to apply an aggressive game plan in a full-court setting and a half-court setting has provided positive results.
“I think we have been playing hard and that is something we can lay our hats on. We have executed when we needed to,” coach Douglas Davis of Princeton Day said. “I always tell the guys you want to be playing your best ball at the end of January heading into February. We are playing well and we just have to continue this moving forward.”
Princeton Day is 8-4 and will bid to improve on that record when it plays on the road against The Pingry School on Jan. 24 in Basking Ridge.The game is scheduled to tip off at 4:15 p.m.
Davis pointed out that one of the team’s strengths is quickly getting up and down the court.
“We have a bunch of young guys that are aggressive in open court and athletic. We use that and have been fortunate the last two years to be able play that way,” Davis said. “I have been impressed this season with how this team has played in a half court set and get the shots that we want.”
Princeton Day is led by senior guard Jaylin Champion-Adams, junior center Ethan Garita, and junior guard Dameon Samuels.
Adams averages17.2 points a game, Garita contributes 13.5 points and Samuels clicks on 10.6 points.
“Jaylin [Champion-Adams] has been tremendous as a senior guard. He sets the pace and tone for our team and handles the ball a lot for us. He gives us everything, including points and rebounds,” Davis said. “Dameon [Samuels] has played fantastic defense against other guards. He hits the occasional three and can get to the paint. Ethan [Garita] gives us the height that we needed for a long time. He changes opponent’s shots and helps with momentum.”
Senior guard Jomar Meekins is another player who has aided the Panthers this season. Davis said he describes Meekins as guard who can hit the three and apply defensive pressure on opposing guards.
“Junior forward Josh Colon has stepped up into starting role for us. He has been a great component to the team,” Davis said. “We have had players step up this season and that is what we need. Everyone has gotten better. Our top eight guys have been able to give us minutes and production.”
The PDS defense during the season has played well, according to Davis.
“We are able to pressure teams full court, this season. When we are not as aggressive as we should be, it definitely shows and impacts our momentum,” Davis said. “When we get up in man-to-man or zone and you feel our pressure it has been really good for us this far. I hope we keep it up.”
He added that if the team can continue to make shots on offense, they will be a tough out for any opponent that PDS faces.
“We need to make sure we continue to play as a team and that we like each other by the time the end of February rolls around. This really impacts play,” Davis said. “We are going to need guys to step into different roles and pick each other up. I’m really excited about this team.”
