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Putnam Science Academy’s boys’ prep team won both of its games last week, but one of those wasn’t the sure thing it seemed to be.
The Mustangs hosted Springfield Commonwealth Academy on Dec. 4 and had a lot of chances throughout to put the game away early before outlasting SCA 106-97 in overtime.
PSA led by four in the final seconds, but a four-point play for SCA with 3.7 seconds to go forced overtime. The Mustangs regrouped and responded in the extra period, scoring the first 10 points to finally seal the win.
“They gave us a battle,” said PSA guard Hassan Diarra, who had 30 points, five rebounds and five assists. “They took our punches and came back with some other punches. We got through it. I’m glad we got through it.
“You feel like (the four-point play) shouldn’t have happened but you switch gears to OT and let’s come at them in OT.”
Elijah Everett finished with season-highs of 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Marty Silvera added 11 points, five assists, and six steals for the Mustangs.
PSA had an easier time on Dec. 8, drubbing West Nottingham (Md.) 88-59. Seemingly everyone contributed to the win in some way, as Diarra had 12 points, seven rebounds and four steals, Silvera and Mekhi Gray had 10 points apiece, JuJu Murray had nine points and eight assists, and Terrell Ard had eight points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
“We played hard all game, right from the start,” coach Tom Espinosa said after his team improved to 11-0. “Guys played really well. We had great ball movement, guys were making the extra pass. Guys got better in this one.”
Girls’ Prep
PSA’s girls prep team had little trouble in its lone game of the week, a 90-76 win over Bradford Christian Academy (Mass.) on Dec. 7. The Mustangs used their depth to eventually overwhelm the Cardinals in this one.
“This was the first game this season we were able to feel the benefits of our depth,” said coach Amanda Morales. “We could see the girls on the other team, their light was starting to dim and they’re running out of energy. And we come in with three girls off the bench and don’t skip a beat and keep applying that pressure.”
Lani Cornfield scored a game-high 22 points and added six assists and three steals.
Sharpshooter Delaney Haines knocked down five 3-pointers on her way to 21 points.
“We love having Delaney out there on the floor, especially in transition,” Morales said. “We talked to the girls early about finding her. She just opens everything up for us. She adds huge depth and dimension to our offense.”
Sabou Gueye had 14 points, Nasserine William had 11 points and six boards, Niya Fields went for nine points, four assists, and three steals, while Aaliyah Brittian had four points, three rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block.
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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