By Ron P. Coderre

The way Putnam Science Academy basketball coach Tom Espinosa’s luck has been running of late, he should take a trip down Route 395 to the casino or buy some Power Ball lotto tickets.  In his latest announcement it looks like Espinosa and the Mustangs have hit the jackpot with the signing of 6-foot, 4-inch point guard Eric Ayala.

Ayala will be in the class of 2018 at Putnam Science Academy.  He enters as a repeat sophomore and is already highly recruited by a number of NCAA Division I schools.  Those who have come knocking on his door include St. John’s University, the University of Cincinnati, Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of South Carolina, LaSalle University and Iona.

Ayala, who comes from Hockessin, Del., enjoyed a terrific season last year at the Sanford School.  He averaged 15.5 points per contest while dishing out four assists per game at Sanford.

“I’m excited to head up to Putnam Science and compete for a national championship and get to play alongside other high major players,” Ayala said in a news release.

“We’re pleased to bring Eric on board, not only for this year but for our future.  He’s a bona fide prospect and gives us a quality point guard with good size who’s capable of scoring as well as distributing the basketball,” said Espinosa of his latest recruit.

Putnam Science Academy, which has gone to the National Prep School Championships for the past two years, is having a banner signing season as they ready for another run at the National title.