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By Ron P. Coderre
In what is predicted to be the strongest and most talented team that Putnam Science Academy’s put on the court since initiating a varsity basketball program in 2006, the proof will be seen in how the Mustangs do as they face the toughest schedule ever in its brief history.
The 2012-2013 edition of PSA hoops features the deepest squad ever, according to coach Tom Espinosa, with seven players who are being courted by some of the top Division I and II colleges in the country. The Scientists are characterized as high scoring, quick and fast but most of all unselfish. Despite all the talent this group is hard working and team oriented.
This year’s team features 6-foot, 2-inch point guard Dashon Smith from New York, who is committed to coach Archie Miller and the University of Dayton. Last season, Smith, affectionately known to his team mates and friends as “Scoochie,” averaged 15 points per game as a junior, while also leading the team in assists and steals.
“Dashon is a coach’s dream. He’s a great scorer but he’s so unselfish that he’s willing to pass up scoring opportunities for the benefit of the team,” said Espinosa.
Smith will be complemented by his running mate, combo guard Jemal Mosely, who is also being heavily recruited by Division I schools. The two New Yorkers create havoc on the hardwood with their speed, shooting and ability to go to the rim.
After Smith and Mosely, the Mustangs get tall quickly. The team has the luxury of two big men, Division I prospect 6-11 Ugar Hortum from Turkey and 6-9 Paul Brooks from Arlington, Mass., who is also being scouted by some Division I and II schools.
“Hortom will be valuable because he helps us spread the floor with his good outside shooting. He’ll be difficult to cover and defense. Brooks in the meantime has been a pleasant surprise. He’s a hard worker, who’s getting better every day. He’ll be a presence in the middle,” said Espinosa of his two big men.
The wildcards for PSA are three athletic swingmen, 6-5 Mairega Clarke from Queens, 6-6 Joel Angus from Brooklyn and 6-5 lefthander Jonte Rutty from Newburgh, N.Y. All three are drawing attention from a variety of Division I and II colleges. Clarke, “probably the most athletic player in the history of the school,” has received feeler from St. Francis (N.Y.) and Adelphi, while Angus, who is an outstanding student is being looked at by the likes of Dartmouth and Brown. Rutty, who can shoot the “trey,” is being closely followed by Southern Connecticut and Pace.
“This trio gives us so much flexibility because they have the talent and ability to lift this team in so many ways,” said Espinosa.
Rounding out the team are three improving players from Turkey, 6-1 junior Berkan Tuylu, and a pair of seniors Berkay Turetkun and Sergen Kumas. Espinosa is planning on adding two more players to round out the squad.
A rugged 30-game schedule is staring the Mustangs straight in the face. Early in the season they face Wilbraham and Monson in the National Prep Showcase at Albertus Magnus College. Along the way they’ll face a pair of national prep champs in Brewster Academy and St. Thomas More. The prestigious Doc Hurley Tournament in Hartford has the Mustangs going against South Kent and later in the season they encounter the always dangerous Notre Dame Prep of Fitchburg in a home and home series.
The Mustangs also play local preps Hyde-Woodstock (Dec. 10), Marianapolis (Jan. 14) and Pomfret (Feb. 13). They close out the season Feb. 22 and 23 in the Northeast Prep Tournament, featuring Hyde-Woodstock and Redemption and Christian Heritage.
“Our goal is to be invited to the National Prep Championship Tournament. This is an ambitious undertaking but with hard work and unselfish play this group could be the team to get us there,” said Espinosa.
Assisting Espinosa on the sidelines will be Josh Scraba and Dan Gomes, while Eric Mauer will serve as the director of basketball operations and Mike Peters heads up the scouting division.