Powerful pg 9 6-21-12
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- Category: Past Issues
caption, page 9:
Joel Angus #4
caption, page 10:
Jonte Rutty
Powerful pair
joins PSA hoops
By Ron P. Coderre
Fresh on the heels of signing a pair of vaunted recruits, Putnam Science Academy basketball coach Tom Espinosa has been persistent in his effort to fill out his roster for next season by signing two more highly sought after players. Espinosa announced last week that a pair of New York prospects, Jonte Rutty of Newburgh, and Joel Angus of Brooklyn will play for the Mustangs during the upcoming season.
Rutty played last season for Newburgh Free Academy, where he helped NFA capture the 2011 Section 9 Class AAA championship. This past season the 6-foot, 5-inch forward averaged 13 points and nine rebounds for the Goldbacks. He’s primarily an inside power player but is capable of stepping outside the arc and hitting the three-pointer.
“Jonte is definitely a Division II prospect but this extra year of play could make him someone who could draw Division I interest. His grades are good enough to play in college now so he can concentrate on basketball while caring for his studies,” said Espinosa.
“He’s going to see plenty of minutes for us this season. He’ll also get an opportunity to play against Division I caliber players every game. I’m looking for him to be a tough performer for our team,” said Espinosa.
Last season Rutty gained considerable attention from Division II and junior college coaches. He’s hoping his season with the Scientists will expose him to more coaches, while he works to continue his improvement on the hardwood.
The other prospect to join Espinosa’s Mustang corral is 6-5 Joel Angus of Brooklyn where he played at Boys and Girls School. Angus is expected to see action on the wing for PSA.
“Joel is a hard working kid, who brings speed, rebounding and shooting to our team. He selected our program because he respects the work ethic we employ and ask from our players,” said Espinosa.
Angus had feelers last season from Division I schools Hofstra, Quinnipiac, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Colgate and New Hampshire. He’s talked with the coaches of most of those schools and hopes that his season in Putnam will solidify his position as a college player.
Rutty and Angus join previously recruited players 6-11 Ugar Hortum from Turkey and 6-5 Mairega Clarke from Queens, N.Y. The quartet of Rutty, Angus, Hortum and Clarke will team with returnees Dayshon Smith, Sergen Kumas and Berkan Tuylu, providing Espinosa with needed depth as the Mustangs play one of the toughest prep schedules in the area.
“We continue to receive inquiries from coaches and recruits about next season. We do our homework and check these players closely to assure they’re suitable for our school academically. I’m excited about the prospects for the upcoming season,” said Espinosa.
Since Putnam Science Academy moved forward with its basketball program six years ago, Espinosa has worked his magic in cooking up a winning formula for the Scientists’ hoop fortunes. This season could continue to produce surprising results.