'Big man'
picks Penn
Sometimes, the stress of the recruiting process ate at Putnam Science Academy big man Elijah Hutchins-Everett. Coaches visit open gyms to watch someone they have an eye on, they call for a couple days in a row. Then they go silent for a month or two before showing back up at a game to check in.
Add in the uncertainties surrounding the upcoming season because of the coronavirus, and Aug. 10 became the perfect day for Hutchins-Everett to announce his commitment to Big Ten member Penn State University beginning in 2021.
“I feel like you’ve got to be consistent,” he said. “That’s why I also liked Penn State. They always stayed consistent with me. They were on me ever since I visited the school (prior to the 19-20 season) and they never stopped showing an interest in me. I feel a family atmosphere with them. I feel like they will help me be the best on and off the court. Great fan base, a lot of alumni, great atmosphere.
“I knew Penn State was the right fit for me, and considering everything that’s going on, it was just easier to commit right now. Sometimes I do stress out a little bit with the whole process. So this is a good thing that I did it now and it’s a great decision for me and my family and my future. I feel like I can do it now and I don’t have to worry about it later on.”
Hutchins-Everett is a modern-day big man, meaning while he can play with his back to the basket in the post and utilize his strong footwork and soft touch around the rim, he can also play facing up further away from the basket and use his athleticism and jumpshot. Checking in at 6-foot, 11 inches and 240 pounds, he shot 58 percent from the floor last season, but also knocked down nine-of-21 3-point attempts. The Nittany Lions, who went 21-10 last year, including 11-9 in the Big Ten and wins over No. 4 Maryland, No. 23 Iowa, No. 21 Ohio State, and No. 16 Michigan State, will be thrilled to get their hands on him.
“Elijah has a lot of skill,” said Mustangs coach Tom Espinosa. “He’s so hard to defend in the post because he’s got such size and strength, but you don’t mind if he’s floating on the perimeter a little bit because you know he can shoot it too. Penn State’s definitely getting a big-time player, and I think they’re really going to help him do it consistently.”
That last part is something Hutchins-Everett knows he needs to work on. He admitted to turning his effort on and off in the past, depending on how hard he wanted to work. And he knows “that’s a bad thing to do,” he said. “PSA makes me accountable right now but I know too Penn State is going to make sure of it. College is going to be no joke.”
Hutchins-Everett averaged 8.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last year for the national champion Mustangs. He had big games, like his 22-pont, 13-rebound showing in a win over Springfield Commonwealth. He showed tantalizing flashes in parts, such as a three-game stretch in which he averaged 13.7.points and 6.7 rebounds; but then just a week or so later had a three-game stretch in which averaged but 3 points and 2 rebounds.
“I want to do it more consistently,” he said convincingly, while added he has changed his diet and is conditioning more seriously than in the past. “I know I have a motor and I know that I can do this and help my team every single game. I have to push myself to keep going hard and keep that motor going. I think Penn State can help me get my body right and help me develop as a player and as a young man.”
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy

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PSA's Joseph
headed for
Miami
On July 21, Bensley Joseph narrowed his list to five potential schools.
He quickly whittled it down to one, announcing six days later that he accepted a scholarship offer to play basketball at the University of Miami beginning in 2021.
“It’s a great feeling. I knew the time was coming but it’s a great feeling,” said Joseph, who earlier this summer announced he would be doing a postgrad season at Putnam Science Academy. “With all the hard work that’s been done, I feel like there’s still more to do. It’s just the next level in my game and the next step in my story, going out there and trying to win at all costs.
“And at Miami, in the ACC, I feel like I’ll be playing in the best conference in the country, it’s only right to showcase my talents at that school.”
Joseph, 18, is widely considered the best point guard in New England and is the top overall player in Massachusetts from the Class of 2021. A four-start recruit who sits at No. 68 in ESPN’s Top 100 rankings, he averaged 15.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 3.9 steals last season at Cushing Academy.  He chose Miami over Boston College, Providence, Georgetown and Marquette.
The Hurricanes were 16-16 overall and 7-13 in conference when the coronavirus pandemic shut down the season in March. They have a senior set to play point guard this coming season, meaning the position will be wide open for Joseph to take. And they have a coach in Jim Larrañaga with whom Joseph has built a strong relationship.
“The playing style really fits for me, and the situation they’ve got with the point guard spot next year allows me to compete for that,” said Joseph, who was born in Miami and has family in the area. “I just felt like it fits how I like to play.
“Ever since they offered me, Coach Larrañaga has talked to me literally every single day, which I think also was a big reason why I decided to go there. He was very consistent to talk with me and we’ve built up a good relationship.”
Miami under Larrañaga has a history of small guards having success, including Shane Larkin, Durand Scott, and Trey McKinney Jones.
“I’m happy for him,” said PSA coach Tom Espinosa. “The ACC … that’s big-time. I think going there in 2021 is going to be a perfect fit for what they have coming and going. We’ve seen Bensley play enough when he was at Cushing to know he’s a special player. We’re excited for him.”
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy

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.
July 28
Peter Longo, 43, Powhattan Street, Putnam; two counts of failure to comply with sex offender registration.
Herbert Long III, 38, Battey Street; first-degree reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, reckless driving.
Car vs. headstones
On July 30 the Putnam Police officers responded to a one-car motor vehicle accident on Grove St. near the Grove St. Cemetery. The lone operator, Jennifer Roberts, 37, of Putnam, was operating a 2017 Jeep Compass eastbound on Grove St. She told police she “blacked out” and the vehicle left the roadway, entered the cemetery, and struck multiple headstones. No injuries were reported. Roberts was given a verbal warning for failing to maintain lane.

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