caption, page 10:

 

Honored

Putnam Science Academy honored its basketball team recently. Left to right: Jordan Butler, Mayil Muradov and Cankutay Katkat. Photo courtesy of Mert Sahin.

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

Putnam Science Academy officially closed the books on its most successful basketball season in the brief history of the school with its postseason Basketball Awards Banquet.  The Mustangs, under Putnam native and only coach in their existence Tom Espinosa, finished with a 29-5 record.

The 29 victories was the most ever in one season at PSA, while the overall and regular season logs were also the best ever.  The Scientists finished ranked 5th in the nation in the National Prep Poll and made it all the way to the National Tournament at Albertus Magnus College, where they were eliminated in the quarterfinal round.  For coach Espinosa the 29 wins boosted his career mark at Putnam Science Academy to 146-50.

“Our school is very proud of the basketball program, which has put us on the map, along with our robotics, math and science teams.  These young men are a tribute to our school, community and to their families.  I wish them the best as they move on to college,” said Dr. Emrullah Durmaz, school principal.

Jeff Lindgren, varsity coach at Div. III Nichols College in Dudley, was featured speaker of the evening.  He spoke of his experience as a player at Nichols and his meteoric rise as a head coach at the age of 25 when he was appointed to lead the Bison hoop fortunes.

“To the players I leave you with words of advice from my college experience as a player.  Be sure to go to class; listen to your coach; and always maintain a positive attitude.  You never know who’s watching you,” said coach Lindgren.

During the awards ceremony 6-foot, 7-inch Jordan Butler, one of the team’s big men, was presented the Most Valuable Player Award.  Kyle Menard, the team’s valuable sixth player, received the Most Improved Player Award.  Berkan Tuylu from Istanbul, Turkey, was selected for the prestigious Mustang Award.

Most Valuable Player of the junior varsity squad was Mayil Maradov, while Canbutay Katkat received the award for the third team.  Most Improved Player on the JV team was Malikshah Dusonov and Isa Yolbansou was the third team recipient.  The junior varsity Mustang Award went to Barak Ersalan and the third winner was Yunus Demirkol.

Coach Espinosa addressed all the players and thanked them for their hard play throughout the season, noting that all teams enjoyed success during the 2013-2014 season.

In addressing his varsity squad Espinosa said, “Losing in the National quarterfinals was tough on all the players.  I told them to be proud of their accomplishments and to hold their heads high.  They all will have some greater moments in their future.”

Anthony Durham, who will play at Rider College next season, finished the season as the team’s high scorer with 529 points.  Danny Upchurch, was the assist leader with 257 and finished with 80 three-pointers to lead the team.  He’s headed to Charleston Southern University.  Butler, who will play at Norfolk State University, was the team’s leading rebounder with 297, while shooting 64 percent from the floor.  Chaise Daniels, who’s going to Quinnipiac University, led the team with 68 blocks.  Dalique Mingo was the team’s top free throw shooter at 84 percent. 

Owen Quantick, a teacher at the school, organized the event and served as the Master of Ceremonies.