Clippers’ season ends in 1st round of CIAC
PUTNAM — The Putnam Clippers’ season came to an end March 7 with a loss to Thomaston in the first round of the CIAC state basketball tournament.
Despite the early postseason exit, the Clippers closed the year with an 11–10 record, marking a significant improvement from last season when the team won just six games. Putnam nearly doubled its win total and finished second in the ECC Div. IV standings with a strong 6–2 league record.
The game was also a historic moment for the program, as the Clippers hosted the first-ever boys state playoff game in the school’s new gymnasium.
Putnam was led offensively by TJ Espinosa and Camden Kell, who each scored 19 points. Espinosa added eight rebounds and four assists in an all-around performance. Kell contributed in multiple areas as well, finishing with four rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
Senior Nick Devlin closed out his high school career with a solid effort, recording 13 points, six rebounds, and three assists in his final game for the Clippers. Putnam’s roster featured a young core that showed promise throughout the season, though the Clippers were also on the wrong side of several close contests. With much of the lineup expected to return next year, the program appears well-positioned to build on this season’s progress.
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Devlin goes up for a shot; Espinosa goes up for a layup; Kell shoots a three pointer; Schulman shoots in the corner
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