By Ron P. Coderre

Following the best season in Putnam Science Academy basketball history where the Mustangs posted a 29-5 record and went to the semifinals of the National Prep School Championships, the wheels are in motion in the search for highly rated recruits for next season.

Word was released from the basketball office of coach Tom Espinosa that Kaelen Ives a 5’9” point guard from Providence has committed to play for the Mustangs next season.  Despite his size Ives comes to Putnam with impressive credentials.

During the past four seasons he’s been a student/athlete at Classical High School in Providence, where he’s been labeled as the “most dominant player in the state of Rhode Island for the last two seasons.”  Last season Ives led the Purple to a 16-12 overall record and 11-6 league record, which ranked the team 6th in Rhode Island.  Classical was the 2013 State Basketball Champion, when Ives was a junior.  As a senior he led a young team back to the tournament where it reached the Division semifinals and the State Tournament Elite Eight, losing to LaSalle Academy 56-52.

“Kaelen’s work ethic, leadership qualities, passion for the game and motivation to improve make him a special talent that any coach would want to work with.  Over the past four years, Kaelen has become a better young man than he is a basketball player,” said coach John Kavanaugh.

Classical High School, located in the heart of Providence on Westminster St., is an institution with more than 1000 students.  It’s known for its strong academic requirements and the rigorous demands it places on its students.  “Kaelen made a commitment to himself to his teammates, coaches and education.  After the time and effort he put in, he will be now known as one of the best student/athletes to ever wear the Purple,” said Kavanaugh.

Kaelen, who is an honor roll student at Classical, has received numerous awards for his play on the basketball court.  Included in his awards was being named a McDonald’s All American nominee this year.  He was First Team All Central Division, All League, Rhode Island Coaches Basketball Association All Star and Providence Journal All State.  He leaves Classical as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1680 points.  He surpassed the 1000 point plateau in his junior year during the team’s State semifinal victory on the way to the championship.  “Kaelen is the type of student/athlete we like to attract to Putnam Science Academy.  He’s a highly qualified student and leader.  Those skills can easily be translated to leadership on the basketball court, producing not only exciting basketball but a winning attitude.  We’re looking forward to working with him,” said Espinosa.