By Ron P. Coderre

Better late than never was the approach that Putnam Science Academy basketball and coach Tom Espinosa took in a last-minute signing of two more basketball recruits.  The Mustangs, who will have two programs this school year, a varsity or postgraduate type team and for the younger players a varsity high school level team, continue to rein in the recruits at an amazing pace.  The two-team approach gives the school an opportunity to bring student athletes in at an earlier age and develops a training ground for its top program.

In a September 1 announcement coach Espinosa indicated that 6-foot, 9-inch Isaac Kante of New York and guard Lapri McCray-Pace from Pennsylvania are on board for the upcoming 2015-2016 season.  The signing of the pair brings the number of basketball students at the school to more than 25.

Kante, who played last season for Paul Robeson High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., comes to the Maple St. campus with sterling credentials.  He averaged a double-double for Robeson with 16.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per contest.  His play was solid enough to attract the attention of a number of good NCAA Division I Coaches.

As he enters the upcoming school year in Putnam, Kante carries with him offers from the University of Dayton, St. Bonaventure University, St. Louis University, St. Joseph’s University, Duquesne, East Carolina State University, Kansas State and LaSalle.  Dayton is familiar with Putnam Science Academy as former Mustang Scoochie Smith is captain of this year’s Flyers, while former PSA forward Saul Phiri is at LaSalle.

“Isaac is a big man who is a true scorer.  He has the knack of putting himself in great position for offensive rebounds, which is a talent that many schools look for,” said coach Espinosa.

Kante has good basketball bloodlines as he’s the cousin of former Mustang and current freshman at UConn Mamadou Diarra.

“In acquiring the services of Isaac, we feel he has unlimited potential.  We expect him to really blossom with our style of play,” concluded coach Espinosa.

Versatility is the best word to summarize McCray-Pace.  According to all reports, the “tough guard from Philly” is not only capable on offense but on defense he’s able to effectively guard any player on that end of the court.

McCray-Pace comes to Putnam Science Academy from Conwell Egan Catholic High School with the tag, “of having the mental and physical make-up to be an immediate contributor on the next level.”

Last season playing for veteran coach Frank Sciolla, McCray-Pace averages 17.4 points and 7.1 points per game.  His 22 points, eight rebounds, four-assist performance helped Conwell Egan Catholic to the State title, where they knocked off previously unbeaten Aliquippa.

“Lapri is an intelligent player with a very high basketball IQ.  His versatility will allow us to use him in a variety of situations without any loss of man power on the floor,” said coach Espinosa.

In addition to being a scoring threat and good defender, the three-time Philadelphia All-Catholic selection is a threat to drive to the hoop.  In 27 games last season he went to the free throw line 216 times.  He leaves Conwell Egan Catholic as one of its most decorated players.  He posted 1.264 career points, making him the school’s all-time leading scorer.  

The addition of Kante and McCray-Pace, though late additions, bodes well for coach Espinosa and the Mustangs who continue their quest for a National Prep School Championship.  Last season’s team finished with a 34-5 record, making it to the National semifinals before being eliminated on a last second basket.