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- Category: Past Issues
By Joe West
The Putnam Science Academy boys’ basketball team will travel to Pomfret School Feb. 17 for a showdown between two rising programs. This will only be the third meeting all-time for the two local prep schools. Both PSA and Pomfret each have one win in the short series.
In their first game back in February 2008, PSA pulled off the upset, winning 65-63 behind 25 points and 22 rebounds from 7-foot center Rundell Mauge. Pomfret got the win last year in another close game, 59-57, behind 21 points from standout Dan Mills.
This year’s game should be just as close as years past as both teams feature explosive players. PSA is led by their versatile guard TaQuan Zimmerman, who is averaging 26 points,eight rebounds and seven assists per game. Power forward Mike Gittens has been a strong presence in the post for the Mustangs, averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds. Frank Robinson is also a threat from behind the 3-point arc, having made 28 this season.
Pomfret is led by a balanced attack, with three strong players making up the nucleus of the team. Cameron Bell is a very active player around the basket, averaging over 12 rebounds a game. Mike Stickles is a quick outside weapon, who can shoot from anywhere on the court. Power forward Joe Ferro has a strong inside game who can be very dangerous.
PSA coach Tom Espinosa knows this is a big challenge for his team. “This is a huge test for us. We need to be both physically and mentally tough because coach Dolph Clinton always has his team very prepared.”