By Ron P. Coderre

Putnam High School athletics, which are struggling with numbers, took a severe blow last week when sophomore basketball standout Dan Porcic announced he would be attending Putnam Science Academy beginning in September.

The 6-foot, 3-inch guard has been an integral component of the Putnam Clippers since his freshman year.  In moving across town to Putnam Science Academy, Porcic is headed toward much stronger competition.  The Clippers, who finished 11-10 this season, compete in the Constitution State Conference – East where the teams are generally composed of technical schools.

Putnam Science Academy has been on a basketball upswing since the program was established under coach Tom Espinosa.  Last season the Mustangs finished 37-4.  They reached the National Prep School Championship semifinals, where they lost by two points to perennial power St. Thomas More.  They play a strong independent schedule, traveling throughout New England and the East coast.

Under a new administrative regime, led by Dr. Tieqiang Ding, Putnam Science Academy will maintain its postgraduate basketball program but is planning on establishing a varsity program for younger talented players.  It’s conceivable that’s where Porcic will ply his trade in the upcoming season.  He’ll enroll and reclassify into the Class of 2019.  

Porcic comes to PSA with solid credentials.  As a Clipper last season he averaged 20.3 points per contest including scoring 30 or more points in three games.  He was also one of the team’s leading rebounders, corralling 5.4 caroms per game to go along with 2.1 steals and 1.5 assists per contest.

According to coach Espinosa, the Porcic family is very familiar with Putnam Science Academy and its basketball program.

“Dan wanted more of a basketball challenge.  The family made inquiries regarding admittance and came to the conclusion that this was the route they wanted for their son.  Dan will be part of a very talented varsity team,” said Espinosa.

Porcic was named to the Constitution State Conference first team during the two seasons he played at Putnam High School.