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The Putnam Science Academy boys’ prep team extended its undefeated season to 23-0 with three wins coming this past week, pushing the overall win streak to 47 games.
The Mustangs went on the road vs Commonwealth Academy and walked away with an 83-64 win before returning home for a make-up game against Lee Academy Jan. 18 in a 106-90 victory.
One thing about prep basketball is not too many things are set in stone when it comes to scheduling. PSA had their eyes on St. Thomas More in the HoopHall Classic held in Springfield but then changes were made. PSA was told they would face Mount Vernon in a late change to the schedule Jan. 20 but then were notified Jan. 19 they would take on MacDuffie School in the evening, Jan. 20. After the game plan switched a few times, the Mustangs traveled up to Springfield to face MacDuffie in their backyard with future UConn Husky commit James Bouknight, former Putnam Science Academy guard Tanahj Pettway and Wake Forest commit Ismael Massoud waiting.
Putnam Science Academy answered the bell played arguably the best basketball of the season at HoopHall.
The Mustangs jumped out to a 48-19 lead at the half after shooting 43 percent from the field and 83 percent at the free throw line, which has been an issue for this Putnam Science team. PSA capitalized on second chance opportunities with 21 points to 6 in that category and added 36 points off turnovers with 50 points coming in the paint on their way to a dominate 79-59 win. PSA trailed for 2:34 in the game with their largest lead coming in the 2nd half at 31 points.
Wichita State-bound Tyson Etienne controlled the offense leading the way with 19 points and had 7 steals with 3 assists. Hassan Diarra keeps getting it done for the Mustangs as one of the 5 returning players from last year’s Prep Championship team, finishing with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Demarr Langford and Abou Ousmane added 8 points each while Bryant commit Charles Pride had 7 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals to keep PSA undefeated and keeping a tight grip on the #1 overall ranking.
Back to Basics
The Putnam Science Academy boys’ varsity broke even at 1-1 last week.
After dropping a game early in the week to Redemption Christian Academy 76-62 that brought the Mustangs losing streak to two straight games, Head Coach Dana Valentine said the effort was lacking. “We need to play like we give a damn. The energy and effort hasn’t been there in the last few games and we need to make adjustments.” The Mustangs heard the message loud in clear as they blew out Capital Prep Harbor at home two days later, 107-71, to pick up win number 10 on the season. Tyler Henry has answered the bell multiple times this season and did it again in the win scoring 22 points, 17 coming in the first half. PSA is now 10-7 and play 3 games next week all on the road.
Varsity 2 Team 2-2
Putnam Science Academy’s Varsity 2 team had its toughest stretch of basketball this past week with four games lined up on the schedule.
The week started with a blowout win over Oxford Academy, 93-33, but then was on the receiving end as Rectory School defeated PSA 78-57. That game saw the Mustangs trail 44-14 at halftime.
Two days later, Putnam Science traveled up to Nichols College and couldn’t keep up with the bigger Bison team losing 109-78 despite Zach Boulay’s 27 points. Head Coach Jay Azar got his team back on track Jan. 19 in a home contest with Hoosac winning 77-72. The Mustangs trailed by 5 at the half and lost Zach Boulay early in the second half due to a high ankle sprain. Dillon Hod came off the bench and stepped up scoring 20 points and making several high-energy plays that had the PSA gymnasium rocking. Amir Sanders nearly had a double-double with 14 points and 9 rebounds as the Mustangs are now 10-5 and have two games at home this upcoming week.
Varsity Girls Drop Game
Putnam Science Academy’s varsity girls’ team has saw success in Head Coach Candice Hernandez’s first year at the helm. The Lady Mustangs started the season 3-0 but then got into the real “meat” of their schedule with games against Commonwealth Academy and Redemption Christian Academy. The Ladies faced off against Commonwealth Academy and lost in a nail biter 43-41 on the road.
PSA had lost earlier in the year to Commonwealth 63-50 so it was progress. Brianna Mead played a huge role in the second half scoring 14 points in the loss for the Mustangs who are now 7-4.
Prep Lady Mustangs 1-1
Abby Robinson missed a few games leading up to PSA’s home game versus Navy Prep and she would make her presence felt right away. Robinson had to fight for playing time on last year’s Prep team due to three Division 1 forwards playing ahead of her. But she’s made quite the impact on this year’s team. Robinson dominated the glass in her return grabbing a season-high 17 rebounds and finishing with 11 points, recording her 2econd double-double of the season in a 78-58 win over Navy Prep.
The Mustangs faced a much harder task playing in the Rose Classic Super Jam against nationally ranked Crestwood from Canada. It was a dog fight from the beginning and came down to the buzzer but PSA’s Fatima Lee rimmed out on a buzzer beating three-point attempt to lose 45-43. Lee, Providence Friar commit, had 9 points and University of Rhode Island-commit Xianna Josephs led the Mustangs with 11 points. PSA’s three-game winning streak came to an end but Head Coach Derek Marchione’s team still holds an impressive 13-3 record.
Josh Sanchas
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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