As the Wichita State men’s basketball team has endured turmoil and upheaval heading into this season, it has been good for the Shockers to have someone like Tyson Etienne on the roster.
The former Putnam Science Academy standout chose to return to the Shockers despite a flood of teammates leaving the program following allegations of abuse against coach Gregg Marshall, who resigned Nov. 17 amidst the investigation.
So with seven players transferred out and just eight scholarship players remaining, Wichita State is up against it. But Etienne, who sharpened his craft at PSA in 2018-19, is the right guy to lead them through.
Not only is he the team’s top returning scorer (he averaged 9.4 points per game as a freshman), the work ethic that made him legendary at PSA is doing the same at WSU. He was a three-time winner of Marshall’s “Junk Yard Dog” award, and the coaching staff voted him the team’s Most Inspirational Player at the conclusion of last season. His attitude and positivity are something that the Shockers desperately need at this time.
“Just to be on the court is a beautiful thing,” he told reporters after scoring 21 of his career-high 26 points in the second half to rally the Shockers to a season-opening win. “I thank God we got on the court and it was a blessing that we’re out here.
“Despite everything that’s been going on around our team over the past couple months, our locker room is the best it’s ever been. We’re all having each other’s back. We all like each other, we all mess with each other. And we just keep rallying each other when something bad happens. We just help each other as part of the process. Whatever happens is supposed to happen. We just come together and weather the storm.”
Wichita State fell in its second game, losing by 10 to a much deeper Missouri team, then dropped a 67-64 decision to Oklahoma State. Etienne had 19 points in 35 minutes, both team-highs, against the Cowboys.
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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Christmas trees
disposal
PUTNAM — The Highway Department announced what to do with Christmas trees. Live trees can be dropped off, free of charge, at the town garage on Church Street or at the Fox Road garage. Artificial Christmas tree may be left curbside on trash day, tied and bundled, with a $1 sticker.
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PUTNAM — Day Kimball Healthcare’s (DKH) Warmth & Wellness Holiday Drive will be held through Jan. 10. DKH is collecting personal care items, hats, gloves, blankets and more for those in need across northeastern Connecticut. Drop off donations at designated Warmth & Wellness holiday trees located at Day Kimball Hospital’s Main Entrance (Entrance A), or the Plainfield Healthcare Center Lobby.
Donations will then be distributed to those in need through TEEG, Interfaith Human Services’ Food Pantry, DKH Family Advocacy Center, and DKH Behavioral Health Outpatient Services.
Items needed: first aid items; toothbrushes, toothpaste and mouthwash; shampoo; bar soap, body wash, facecloths and hand towels; hand sanitizer and wet wipes; toilet paper and feminine products; hand warmers and foot powder; laundry detergent; new blankets, throws or sleeping bags; new bed pillows and pillowcases; new socks for both children and adults; and new mittens and hats for both children and adults.
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Rules & Tips
Policy for photos: We follow the COVID-19 rules. Unrelated people must be wearing face masks or be at least 6 feet apart.
Space tip: Since space is at a premium, you'll find extended versions of some stories and the calendar on the Putnam Town Crier online at: www.putnamtowncrier.com.
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