PSA named #1 in U.S.
PUTNAM — The Putnam Science Academy went into its game against Jellyfam (NY) in the #2 spot nationally. They came out not only with a win, but --- more importantly --- in the #1 spot in the U.S.
Last week Putnam Science won their 16th straight game last night over visiting OTE power Jellyfam 81-70. Ben Ahmed led the Mustangs with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks. Tony Williams had 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and Parrish Edmond had 13 points, 2 assists and 2 steals in the win. Brayson Green added 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals and Sam Osayi chipped in 6 points and 19 rebounds for PSA (24-2).
After the game PSA moved from #2 in the National Prep Coaches Poll to #1, pushing Mt. Zion Prep of Maryland down to second. The poll is presented by NERR.
PSA Athletic Director and Head Coach Thomas Espinosa said: ““It’s great to be back at number one at this stage of the season. We’re starting to stretch run and we are playing with a lot of confidence.”
He added: “It just pushes us to continue to get better and work harder. I’m really excited for the next 5-6 weeks. This group has really bought in to what we’re trying to do. It’s really starting to show.”
The rest of the PSA games:
Elite Boys
HUDSON, N.Y. — The Elite Boys went on the road Sunday afternoon to take on New York Military Academy but fell short 74-58 to drop to 19-4 on the season. Lazarus Mason led the Mustangs with 18 points and 3 assists and Octavius Wheeler added 12 points and 3 rebounds. Javelle Epps chipped in 9 points and 4 rebounds for PSA in the loss.
NEW YORK, N.Y. — The Elite Boys traveled to New York for an important league game against Broome Street School Wednesday afternoon and lost 84-79 to fall to 19-5 on the season. Javelle Epps led Putnam Science with 26 points and Dominick LaDuca added 15 points and 3 assists. Jacob Wang chipped in with 11 points and 7 rebounds and Michael Olorunsola had 9 points.
Varsity Boys
POMFRET — KJ Stcyr had 23 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and the game-winning layup with 12 seconds left as the Varsity boys came back to knock off the Rectory School 62-61 on Monday evening. Drake Alvarez stole the ball with 15 seconds left and led the break to lead to Stcyr’s layup. TJ Espinosa had 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and Chris Maplanka added 6 points and 6 rebounds as PSA improves to 9-7 on the season.
BARRINGTON, R.I. — The Varsity boys went on the road Wednesday afternoon to take on St. Andrews school and lost in a defensive battle 58-38. KJ Stcyr led Putnam Science with 10 points and 5 rebounds and TJ Espinosa had 8 points and 6 rebounds in the loss. Javier De Castro added 5 points and 4 rebounds as the Varsity boys fall to 9-8 on the season.
Prep Girls
PROVIDENCE — Athena Thompson continues her hot play, leading the Lady Mustangs Tuesday night to their 7th straight win as they top Mount St. Charles 50-42. Thompson had a game-high 19 points and added 4 steals and 3 rebounds. Janaya Prince had 7 points, 3 assists and 3 steals and Kate Lipatova had 6 points and 8 rebounds for PSA in the win. Tatiana Bell chipped in 5 points and 5 rebounds as Putnam improves to 13-3.
Varsity Girls
PROVIDENCE — The Varsity PSA girls won 58-40 over Mount St. Charles Tuesday evening on the road to improve to 9-4 on the season. Vega Larru led the Lady Mustangs with 15 points, 6 steals, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Lahelie Leyde had 10 points and 8 steals and Nina Stanojevic had 10 points, 4 assists and 3 steals to help PSA. Ayca Kazak added 7 points and 7 rebounds and Defne Mumcu chipped in 10 rebounds!
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caption, page 2: Sam Osayi. Rebecca Townes photo.