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The Putnam Science Academy Lady Mustangs in their 2nd prep season have got off to a blistering hot start going into the winter break 10-2. Even with a few bumps along the way, a road loss to Rivers and a tough overtime defeat to unbeaten Tabor, the Lady Mustangs have played phenomenal basketball.
After a 22-9 record last year and losing multiple players who went on to college ball, this Mustang team has its sights on accomplishing more this time around. Providence College commit Fatima Lee provides the leadership on and off the court, Marist commit Trinasia Kennedy has been a spark in her first year at PSA currently leading the team in scoring with more than 13 points per game and Southern New Hampshire commit Ariana Koivisto has done everything and more for a gritty Mustang group.
“This team this year is just different” said Head Coach Derek Marchione. “We are way more athletic at all positions and really can provide matchup problems with the amount of depth we have on the bench.”
Depth was an issue for the Lady Mustangs last year. This year? Not so much.
Marchione loves what he has at his disposal. With guards Helena Dellaruelle and Lucie Castagne providing instant energy off the bench, they can allow other guards like Lee and Kennedy to rest and the offense doesn’t slow down. “Helena has excellent vison” Marchione said. “Her ability to see the floor and get to the basket makes us very difficult to handle on offense. The defense collapses which allows Helena to kick it out to shooters.”
It’s not only the guards getting it done either. The Lady Mustangs this year have size in the front court with Ariana Koivisto, Abby Robinson, Xianna Josephs and Aaliyah Brittian all getting quality playing time. “Abby Robinson has been huge for us this season in the early going. Her play has been exceptional and exactly what we ask and need of her” said Marchione. Robinson leads the team in rebounds per game with just over seven and has posted four games this year with double digit rebounds. Xianna Josephs, a Rhode Island commit, had her best game to date against Tabor where she earned her playing time hustling for loose balls and making big plays down the stretch on the offensive glass and put backs.
This Mustang team has a lot of pieces but it’s clear they are primed for a big second half of the season. With 2 big tournaments on the horizon, the Rose Classic Super Jam and The Mecca, that will be a big test but an even better opportunity for this young Mustang squad looking to leave their mark at Putnam Science Academy.
Josh Sanchas
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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