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- Category: Past Issues
Scientists find
winning
formula
against MCI
By Ron P. Coderre
In one of Putnam Science Academy’s biggest basketball experiments in its brief six-year existence as a varsity program, the Mustangs of coach Tom Espinosa ran away from powerhouse Maine Central Institute 86 – 72. The Martin Luther King holiday contest was played at The Hyde School Krebs Family Gymnasium in Woodstock.
MCI is noted as one of not only New England but the nation’s top prep basketball programs. Over the years it’s turned out a number of players who have made it to the National Basketball Association, most notably Caron Butler and Sam Cassell.
The way the contest started it appeared that MCI was out to uphold its reputation as it jumped out to a quick 9-0 lead on a trio of three-pointers. After realizing they were playing a basketball game, not a video game, PSA knotted the contest at 14-14 at the 11:34 mark of the first half.
At the 9:19 mark a rebound basket by Keon Scott put the Scientists on top 18-15. The remainder of the half witnessed a number of lead changes before the Mustangs took charge going off at halftime up 49-33. The spurt was highlighted by three baskets from beyond the arc by Dayshon Smith, who closed the half with 17 points on the way to a game-high 25 points.
MCI came out smoking in the second half opening with a 10-2 run to narrow the margin to eight points only to see the Mustangs regroup behind Smith, Shaun Lawton (nine second-half points) and Tyree Robinson (eight second-half points). The PSA defensive pressure maintained the lead at 10 points or more throughout most of the final 16 minutes.
“I’m excited about this big win against one of the original top New England prep schools. Coming off our holiday break, the players are jelling and getting to their best basketball level of the season,” said Espinosa.
In addition to his game-high 25 points, Smith chipped in eight assists and four steals. Joining Smith in double figures was Lawton (20 points, four assists, three steals). Senior Oscar Assie chipped in 19 points and nine rebounds and Robinson 14 points and three rebounds. Point guard Johnny Joseph had seven points and Scott rounded out the scoring with four points. The victory lifted the Mustangs to 11-3 on the season.
The Huskies of MCI placed three players in double digits, led by James Farr with 24, Jean-Pierre Charles with 14 and Jared Brandon with 11.
The week was a productive one for PSA as it opened with a convincing 72-56 victory over another New England power, Brimmer and May and a 66-37 pasting of local foe Marianapolis. Joseph, Lawton and Robinson paced the win over B & M tallying 14 points apiece. In the Marianpolis victory, the Scientists were led by Lawton (14), and Robinson and Smith with 13 points each.
The Mustangs travelled to national powerhouse, St. Thomas More and received a lesson in humility when they were trounced 107-66 by the Saints. Oscar Assie was the high man for PSA with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
The Scientists concluded the week on an upbeat note by rolling over Lee Academy 113-88. Six Scientists were in double figures, led by guard Johnny Joseph with 20 points and four assists.