PSA Mustangs outpace Pomfret Griffins

Mustang Desmond Williams at the foul line. Photos by Denise Coffey.

The Putnam Science Academy boys’ varsity basketball program is in its fifth season, and their coach, Tom Espinosa, is happy with how his team has fared thus far. At 16-5 overall this season, Espinoza is proud of the wins as well as the character of his team.

“It’s a privilege coaching this group,” he said. “Character-wise, this group is outstanding. We work hard at practice and we get better every single day, every single game. And that’s what you want to do during the season. You want to improve every day, every game, and that’s what we’re doing. That’s why we’ve been successful.”

Espinosa admits his Mustang team lacks depth. But they have some serious players in the likes of their starters, Wilson Arob, Anthony Henry, Desmond Williams, Zaquan Nelson and Tyree Robinson. “Arob, at 6’9”, is a big kid who is a powerful presence in the key, even though he hasn’t been playing basketball for many years,” said Espinosa.  Arob was born in Sudan, Africa. “He’s an Australian citizen, so he’s an international kid. He’s never really played organized basketball before. He’s played in basketball clinics and stuff like that, but not an entire high school season. He’s getting better with every game”

So is guard Anthony Henry. Espinosa likes the way he’s worked on developing all of his skills on the court. “Now he has a jump shot; he can finish the rim, and his ball handling has greatly improved.”

“It’s great when you see your team get better every day. Like I said, that’s what it’s all about.”

PSA is losing four seniors and most of the depth on the team. “But that’s prep school basketball,” Espinosa said. “It’s not public school basketball. We get a new crew every year. You recruit and that’s how it goes.” He expects to bring in two or three more players to help his squad compete in the 2011/2012 season.

Putnam Science is an independent school that is currently going through the accreditation process. Their game with Pomfret was a non-league game. At the end of the year, PSA will hold a North East Prep basketball championship with three other teams. 

Coach’s Corner

Putnam Science Academy Boys’ Basketball Coach Tom Espinosa

Fifth Season Head Coach

The season: “This season has been great. We’re 16-5 overall.  And the character of the guys is outstanding, so it makes the season fun. We’re having a blast. Besides winning, this is a great group of guys. It’s a privilege coaching this group.”

Seniors:

Desmond Williams, Wilson Arob, Anthony Henry, Adis Muminovic

Sports Spotlight: Players to watch

Desmond Williams, number 23, guard

"Williams is a Division One player. He hasn’t signed yet. He hasn’t done his official visits. He probably won’t sign until the spring.  He’s had over a half-dozen to a dozen offers from Division One schools," said coach Espinosa.

William Arob, number 55, center

“He’s perfect, exactly what we need in the match-up zone," Espinosa said. "He’s a big body. He’s a great kid. He’s going to North Platte Community College in Nebraska on a full athletic scholarship for next year."

Anthony Henry, number 11, guard

Henry is from Danbury Connecticut. He’s a very athletic guard. "When I got him in September, he was just an athlete, but he’s really worked on his skills. He’s really improved his game in the course of this seaso," said coach Espinosa.

See www.putnamscience.org for more information.