By Ron P. Coderre

As the summer passes the 4th of July benchmark Putnam Science Academy basketball coach Tom Espinosa continues to bring quality players to the Maple Street campus in preparation for the 2016-2017 hoop season.

Espinosa receneptly announced the addition of big man Isaiah Laurent from Brockton, Mass., and sophomore guard Chris Wright from Kingston, N.Y.  

The 6-foot, 7-inch Laurent spent three years at Brockton High School before moving on to New Mission High School in the Boston area.  Laurent, who goes by the nickname “Zeke”, is capable of being a difference maker inside on both offense and defense.  Last season he led New Mission to the Division 2 state championship, averaging 13 rebounds and four block shots per game.  On the offensive end of the court Laurent averaged 14 points per game.  He was named to the Boston City League First team for his outstanding season.

“Laurent is a high character kid who can defend four positions.  On offense he can play with his back to the basket and find the open man with his passing.  He’s a strong rebounder in traffic with the ability to score over bigger power forwards.  He should fit into our plans for this season very nicely,” said coach Espinosa.

This summer Laurent is playing AAU basketball for the Boston Warriors.

Wright, who could be a surprise package for the Mustangs, is a 6-1 guard who can shoot and handle the rock.  Last season at Kingston High School he averaged 15.8 points per game while dishing out four assists per contest.  As a sophomore he led his team to an 18-4 record and into the second round of the playoffs.

“I think Chris is going through the natural maturation process that all teenagers eventually go through.  Being under the guidance of the coaching staff at PSA, the sky can be the limit.  He’s young and willing to learn.  He’s just starting to scratch the surface of how good he can be,” said Bobby Rahn , Wrights AAU coach.

“Chris is a future Division I guard.  I believe he’ll surprise many people this season,” said Espinosa.

This summer Wright is playing AAU basketball for Early Risers and Coach Rahn.