had pg 7 3-16-23
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Mouhamed Dioubate. Photo by Thomas Netzer
You may have had a good week, and if so, Mouhamed Dioubate is happy for you. But nevertheless, he’ll see your good week and raise you his.
The Putnam Science Academy postgrad basketball player had arguably the best week in PSA history, one that left a lot of people, including Dioubate himself, shaking their heads.
In the span of four days, Dioubate:
-was named the Power 5 Conference Player of the Year
-was named New England Player of the Year
-became PSA’s all-time leading rebounder
-became just the fourth player in PSA history with 1,000 career points
-won a second national prep school championship
-was named Most Valuable Player of the National Tournament
“This is the best week of my life,” Dioubate said. “I’m doing the impossible, just working hard, staying focused, being hungry. I’ve had a tough journey. I didn’t have any handouts, I just went out and earned everything I’ve got. Strong people make it through.”
Dioubate averaged 14.4 points and 9.6 rebounds this year in leading the Mustangs to a 39-3 record and their second straight national title, and fourth overall.
That came on the heels of averaging 9.9 points and 6.5 rebounds off the bench last year when PSA went undefeated. He was nowhere near as productive when he first got to PSA in January of 2021 from John Bowne High School in Queens, N.Y., barely playing in the 20 games of the COVID-shortened season.
“I’ve said it before but it’s true, I wouldn’t trade Mouhamed Dioubate for any prep school player I the country this year,” coach Tom Espinosa said.
He added: “I think he’s the best player in the country. And all the credit goes to him. He worked for it. He earned it. His game got better every year. He became a better shooter, passer, defender. Even a better rebounder. His teammates love him and were so happy for him. We are going to miss him, obviously. I couldn’t be happier for – or prouder of – him.”
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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ct pg 8 3-16-23
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POMFRET — Minnesota folk singer, Peter Mayer, returns at 7 p.m. April 29 to The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Road. The charge to attend this event is $25 for CAS members; $30 for non-members. Registration is required as seating is limited. To register, go to ctaudubon.org/pomfret-programs or call the Center at 860-928-4948.
Guitar virtuoso Mayer has been singing and songwriting for over 20 years. He composes songs for a small planet. Songs about interconnectedness and the human journey—songs about life on earth and the mysterious and wondrous fact of our existence. He also writes about dress hats, pumpkins and pajamas, and other important stuff! His music has been performed by artists like Kathy Mattea, David Wilcox, Claudia Schmidt, Anne Hills, Priscilla Herdman, Darryl Purpose, Billy Jonas, and Ronny Cox, to name a few. Song books, church hymnals, and folk radio playlists across the country include his work. He is the recipient of fellowships from the McKnight and the Bush foundations. Peter has 11 albums.
Local singer, songwriter, and guitarist Maria Sangiolo (The Vanilla Bean Café, Pomfret) said, “Peter’s expressive voice and thoughtful lyrics reach my innermost being, challenge me to face the dark, face the truth, listen....and feel heard all in one sitting.”
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winners pg 8 3-16-23
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Winners
One year after coming up just short of winning a New England free throw shooting contest, Putnam Middle School seventh grader TJ Espinosa, left, broke through Saturday, taking the competition and earning a spot in the national final. Espinosa, competing in the 12-13-year-old division, sank 23-of-25 foul shots in the contest, advancing to Nationals, which will be held in Chicago from April 20-23. Espinosa, who represents Putnam Elks Lodge 574, won a district championship in January and the state title in February. TJ’s younger brother Bryce, right, competed in the 10-11-year-old division and made 19 free throws, taking second place in New England. TJ and Bryce are shown with their dad, Tom Espinosa. Story by: Stephen Nalbandian, Sports Information Director, Putnam Science Academy.
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police pg 8 3-16-23
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The following charges were listed in the Putnam Police Department logs. The people charged are innocent until proven guilty in court. The Town Crier will publish dispositions of cases at the request of the accused. The dispositions must be accompanied by the proper documentation. The Putnam Police Department confidential Tip Line is 860-963-0000.
March 10
Rebecca Kamuda, 43, Church Street, Putnam; violation of protective order.