If patience is a virtue, than timing is an accelerant.

 Justin Baker has put in his work, he’s paid his dues. But it may be that his time with the Lebanon Valley men’s basketball has arrived.

 Baker is an important piece in the Flying Dutchmen’s current rebuild. This week, the former Lebanon High star showed that he is an individual to be leaned on, someone to be counted upon.

 On Tuesday at Elizabethtown College, Baker tallied a team-high 23 points, as Lebanon Valley endured an 85-74 loss at the hands of the home-standing Blue Jays. Baker’s output came on some very accurate shooting – eight-of-ten from the floor and seven-for-nine at the charity stripe – and it was complemented by four rebounds, two assists and two blocks.

 The result made LVC, which is retooling from heavy losses from last year’s Middle Atlantic Commonwealth championship, 2-3 in the early going.

 Baker, a junior guard, played all but one minute against Elizabethtown. Through five games this season, he is now averaging double-digit scoring for the Flying Dutchmen.

 Going forward, Baker will be counted on for scoring, defense and all-around heady floor play by Lebanon Valley. 

 – Jeff Falk