Putnam Science Academy basketball coach Tom Espinosa is always looking for his players to make mental adjustments, to, in his words “figure it out.”
On a team loaded with talent, Espinosa wants to know which of his guys can raise their level of play as the level of the opponent also rises. That’s what Week 1 has been about for a lot of them.
“A lot of these guys, most of them really, have always been the best player,” Espinosa said. “And a lot of them face really good competition, especially in AAU. But here, we’ve got 10, 11, 12 really, really good players. Guys have to figure out how they get to their strengths against guys whose strength is not letting that happen.”
Take for example Sean Durugordon. The 6-foot, 6-inch wing who has committed to SEC member University of Missouri, said this first week of getting in the gym has been eye-opening.
“The biggest adjustment I’ll have to make is shooting the 3-pointer more,” he said. “I could always shoot but I usually was able to get in the lane whenever I wanted so I preferred driving. But now there are bigger and more athletic people, so it won’t be as easy.”
PSA made a concerted effort this summer to bring in even more talent to the program than has been here before. The Mustangs have greater depth on its two non-prep teams (now known as the Varsity Elite and Varsity) as a result.
One of those players is LJ Hicks, who will play on the Varsity Elite team.
“Every day you come to practice it’s like being in a game because there’s a lot of good players on the teams,” he said. “The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make already was making sure I’m staying on a good track with my food. Making sure I don’t drink soda and just making the right choices to keep my body in the best shape that I can. Because we play a lot of basketball and what you eat can have a huge impact on how you play.”
How much basketball the teams play remains to be seen. Espinosa is continuing to build a schedule of some sort through all the unknowns of the pandemic. For now though, team practices, drills, and workouts will suffice.
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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The following charges were listed in the Putnam Police Department logs. The people charged are innocent until proven guilty in court. The Town Crier will publish dispositions of cases at the request of the accused. The dispositions must be accompanied by the proper documentation. The Putnam Police Department confidential Tip Line is 860-963-0000.
Sept. 12
Ryan Whitehouse, 21, Nightingale Road, Woodstock, sixth-degree larceny.
Sept. 14
David Bechtel, 32, Powhattan Street, Putnam; second-degree breach of peace, disorderly conduct.
Sept. 15
Joshua Stewart, 28, no certain address; violation of protective order.
Sept. 19
Derek Brooks, 36, South Main Street, Putnam; creating a public disturbance.
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Lock your cars
PUTNAM — Advice from Christopher D. Ferace, chief of the Putnam Police Department, was “lock your vehicles and take valuables out of view.”
The advice comes after the Putnam Police Department responded to several auto burglaries which occurred during the previous overnight hours in various residential areas in the Special Services District. There was no forced entry into any of the vehicles — the vehicles had been left unlocked.
The Putnam Police Department is reminding residents to always lock your vehicles and remove your keys and other valuables from view inside of your vehicle or just take them into your home. “These were crimes of opportunity and I cannot stress enough, if your take away the opportunity by locking your vehicles and removing your keys and other valuables, you will certainly reduce the chance of being victimized,” said Ferace.
Anyone who has information or may have witnessed suspicious activity in their neighborhood overnight Sept. 14 and 15 is encouraged to contact Sgt. Niko Sezenias at the Putnam Police Department at (860)928-6565, use the anonymous tip line (860)963-0000 or email www.putnampolice.com and message us in the contacts drop down box.
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Get degrees
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Two local students graduated from the University of Alabama: Louis Audino of Chepachet, bachelor’s in commerce & business administration; and Amanda Isbell of Danielson, master’s of library and information studies.
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