Winners
One year after coming up just short of winning a New England free throw shooting contest, Putnam Middle School seventh grader TJ Espinosa, left, broke through Saturday, taking the competition and earning a spot in the national final. Espinosa, competing in the 12-13-year-old division, sank 23-of-25 foul shots in the contest, advancing to Nationals, which will be held in Chicago from April 20-23. Espinosa, who represents Putnam Elks Lodge 574, won a district championship in January and the state title in February. TJ’s younger brother Bryce, right, competed in the 10-11-year-old division and made 19 free throws, taking second place in New England. TJ and Bryce are shown with their dad, Tom Espinosa. Story by: Stephen Nalbandian, Sports Information Director, Putnam Science Academy.

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