By Ron P. Coderre

Kyle Menard, coach Tom Espinosa’s man off the bench who ignites the Putnam Science Academy offense, recently made a verbal commitment to play college basketball next season at Pace University in Pleasantville, N.Y.  Pace is a member of the prestigious NCAA Div. II Northeast-10 Conference and plays in the Southwest Division.

The 6-foot, 4-inch Menard, who came to Putnam from Paramus Catholic University in New Jersey where he averaged 18 points and eight rebounds in his senior year, has proven to be a versatile performer for the Mustangs.  The rugged Menard is an instant impact player the moment he hits the court.  Offensively he can devastate an opponent’s defense with his long range shooting or slashing power drives to the hoop.  Defensively he plays much bigger than his 6-4 frame, crashing the boards with reckless abandon.

“Kyle has been a valuable member of our success this season.  His ability to come off the bench and spring into action immediately allows us to play without skipping a beat.  He brings so much energy to the team and competes in every single game he plays.  He’s a winner,” said coach Espinosa.

This season Menard is averaging 10 points and 3.7 rebounds a game for the 28-4 Scientists who are ranked #5 in the nation among prep schools.  He’s also accounted for 59 three-point hoops.

In opting to play at Pace, Menard joins a program that this season under first-year head coach Pat Kennedy is struggling at 5-14 in its division and 7-18 overall.  The Setters will lose seven seniors to graduation and have a young squad, which bodes well for Menard’s opportunity to break in immediately as a freshman.

“I feel Kyle’s made a great choice, as Pace will him afford him the opportunity to get playing time as a freshman.  Pace also is recognized for its strong academic programs.  This is a perfect mix for a guy who’s been an asset to our school as a student/athlete,” said Espinosa.

Menard is the fifth member of the 2013-2014 Mustangs to accept a college scholarship to play basketball.  He joins Chaise Daniels, who’s headed to Quinnipiac University, Jordan Butler, who’ll play at Norfolk State University, Anthony Durham, who’s going to Rider and Danny Upchurch, who’s committed to Charleston Southern University.

 

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