lose opener

By Ron P. Coderre

Putnam Science Academy opened the local basketball season on the road against Tilton Academy in New Hampshire and were dropped by the hosts in a tight contest 87-84.

The Mustangs, who were among the top prep schools in the nation last year, feature an entire new cast of players this season.  Learning each other’s ways on the court came slowly in the first half as they fell behind early and trailed Tilton 40-25 at intermission.

The sense of urgency returned when they exited the locker room as they went on a scoring spree, outscoring Tilton 59-47 over the final 20 minutes.  The effort fell just short despite four players scoring in double figures and hitting 12 three-point shots from long range.

Leading the offensive attack was 6-foot, 5-inch Andrew Robinson with 18 points, with nine points coming from beyond the arc.  Josh Wallace chipped in 17 points, while point guard Kealen Ives and Hamidou Diallo from Queens, N.Y., each contributed 16 markers.

In addition to scoring in double digits, Ives had eight assists and four steals.  Robinson posted double digit numbers with 12 rebounds to go with his 18 points.  Wallace was strong off the boards with nine caroms to his credit.

Following a pair of home contests, the Mustangs hit the road once again, playing at Albertus Magnus College in the National Prep Showcase against IMG Academy of Florida Nov. 21. They then travel to Massachusetts for a contest with Redemption Christian Academy Dec. 1.