Mustangs get national championship rings
The 2025 basketball team and staff last week received their championship rings, honoring their 2025 National Prep School basketball championship season.
President of IAABO Board 35 Christian Sarantopoulos presented the Board’s plaque in recognition of the Mustang’s success. The officiating crew saw early on that this team was different. He acknowledged how tenacious the team was defensively, though lacking a superstar on the team. Regardless, the players came together as one. Sarantopoulos highlighted the incredible depth of the Mustangs as they continuously overwhelmed opponents with size and skill all season.
It was a record year for the program, as they accumulated the most wins in program history with 41. Players from last year’s team attended in person and through FaceTime. Among the FaceTimers was Tony Williams, whose career began on the Elite Team.
Head Coach Tom Espinosa was impressed with Williams’ play during the first half of his 23-24 season at PSA; however, questioned whether he could effectively run an offense at the prep level. With some key moves over winter break, Williams’ chance had come. He was elevated to the Prep Team providing an instant impact to the program, ultimately leading to a starting role in 24-25. Williams earned a scholarship to Fairfield University. Big men like Adbou Yadd, now playing basketball at Sacred Heart University, and Ben Ahmed, who became the program’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder last season, pushed the program to the top of prep basketball. Ahmed’s exceptional play at PSA landed him a spot on the Oklahoma State University basketball squad.
Espinosa said the season was not always a smooth ride. The team faced adversity early, suffering two losses in Boston to New Hampton and Newman in the NEBL Tipoff. Players, like returners Parrish Edmond and Adama Tambedou, questioned whether Putnam Science was the right place for them.
After receiving his championship ring, Adama Tambedou told the audience about the early struggles he faced while transitioning from Senegal. Playing limited minutes, Tambedou changed his original mindset and became an integral part in helping the team secure its fifth national championship.
After those two losses in Boston, the Mustangs never looked back. They embarked on a 33-game winning streak, winning the Power 5 AAA Championship en route to the National Championship.
Through trials and tribulation, the Putnam Science Academy men’s prep team never wavered, never quit. And once again, ultimately climbing to the top of the prep basketball mountain as 5-time national champions.
Ben Heacox
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
Caption, page 8:
National Champions
The 2025 National Champion Putnam Science Academy basketball team members received their national championship rings last week. More photos Wed. night on our FB page: Putnam Town Crier & Northeat Ledger.
Picture labeled Alex Williams”- left to right PSA Head Coach Tom Espinosa, Athletic Trainer Alex Williams and Associate Head Coach Josh Scraba
Picture labeled ”Scraba & Espo” Tom Espinosa and Josh Scraba
picture labeled “board” IAABO 8 President Christian Sarantopoulos
picture labeled "Adama” Tom Espinosa, Adama Tambedou