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Eyeing U.S.
championship
The Putnam Science Academy boys’ prep basketball team released its schedule last week as it eyes its second national championship in three years.
“As always, we want to play against the top teams and we think we have a very tough schedule that we are looking forward to playing,” said PSA coach Tom Espinosa said. “We expect to have a lot of success this year but we’re going to have to beat some really good teams and play some really big games.”
The Mustangs open their season in the Bahamas Nov. 1-3 with games against Ridley Prep (Ontario, Canada), NBA Academy Latin America, and BC Christian Academy (British Columbia, Canada). This will be PSA’s second time playing in the Caribbean Tip-Off Classic.
“It’s a great event that we are really looking forward to,” Espinosa said. “A lot of good teams are there, it’ll be a good test for us.”
The schedule also includes the “Battle in the Apple” showcase event at The Barclays Center, home to the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, on Dec. 14 when PSA faces Core4 Prep of Atlanta.
“Playing in New York City, it’s close to where a handful of our guys are from, this is a good opportunity for them to go back and play at home a little bit,” Espinosa said, referring to Hassan Diarra (Queens), Josh Gray (Brooklyn), JuJu Murray (Bronx), as well as Mekhi Gray and Elijiah Everett, who are from nearby Montrose, N.Y., and Orange, N.J., respectively. “That’s an exciting event for us to be at.”
Other big games on the schedule include: a home meeting with Navy Prep on Nov. 12; versus New Hampton as part of the Hoophall Prep Showcase on Jan. 19; two conference games against Our Savior Lutheran – on the road Jan. 20, and at home Feb. 4; and against St. Thomas More on Feb. 17.
PSA is coming off a 38-2 record and a third-place finish in the national prep tournament last year. The Mustangs won the national title two seasons ago.
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
.