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Osun Osunniyi, a 6-foot, 10-inch forward, made his mark on the Putnam Science Academy program last season as a force in the paint using his defense to fuel the team and a nice touch around the basket when called upon. Osunniyi saved his best for last in a PSA uniform dominating in the 2018 National Prep Championship game, later being named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player in helping Putnam Science capture their 1st National Prep Championship.
He has carried that mindset over in his freshmen year at St. Bonaventure.
Osunniyi leads the Bonnies in blocks with 34 on the season, which ranks him 15th nationally in that category along with being ranked 11th nationally in blocks per game with 2.32. Osun leads the Atlantic 10 Conference in both categories in his freshmen year and he’s only getting better and more comfortable with his role on the team. Osun’s offensive game is still a work in progress under Head Coach Mark Schmidt but he’s getting most of his points in the paint for the Bonnies shooting 55 percent from the field. Osunniyi isn’t the only Mustang whose made an impact for St. Bonaventure this season.
Freshmen point guard Kyle Lofton, who after the 2018 National Prep Championship win announced his commitment to the Bonnies to pair with Osun, has been a huge spark to an offense that needed it. Lofton has played and started in all 13 games this season playing the second most minutes per game (36.8) and averaging the third-highest points per game with 13.8 including a 23-point performance in a tough double overtime loss to Vermont. Lofton wasn’t being recruited during the season at Putnam Science Academy but his play down the stretch spoke volumes and coaches started to take notice once tournament play came around in March.
Osunniyi and Lofton, after starting for the Mustangs, now play a pivotal role in a young St. Bonaventure team and look to be a formidable duo for years to come under coach Mark Schmidt. The Bonnies are currently 4-9 headed into Conference play.
Josh Sanchas
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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