The #2 Nationally Ranked Putnam Science Academy (PSA) Men’s Prep Basketball Team defeated Winchendon 102 – 64 in front of a capacity crowd in the Richard A. Nowak Gymnasium at St. Joseph School on Saturday, February 22nd.  Senior guard Hassan Diarra, who recently committed to Texas A&M, finished with 16 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and senior center Josh Gray finished with 13 points and eight rebounds. Other standouts scoring in double figures were senior guard Johnnie Williams (14), junior guard JuJu Murray (11), senior guard D’Maurian Williams (10), and junior forward Elijah Hutchins-Everett (10).  Senior guard/forward Terrell Ard, Jr. had nine points and 11 rebounds for PSA (28-3).

The Mustangs, led by head coach Tom Espinosa, were up just 36-33 at halftime.  However, the team rallied in the second half and awed the crowd with their incredible ball handling skills and spectacular dunks.  The game at St. Joseph School was an amazing opportunity for the local community to witness the talent of the PSA team.  Through the hard-work and dedication of the coaching staff, the nationally ranked Mustangs have had 34 players go on to play at Division 1 schools since 2013.  In addition, the team is not new to the national spotlight.  The Mustangs finished the 2018-19 season ranked 3rd in the country and were the 2017-2018 National Champions.  Over the last six years, the Mustangs have made 6 consecutive appearances in the National Prep Championship Tournament, had six 25+ win seasons, and four 30+ win seasons.  PSA is also the high school alma mater of Hamidou Diallo who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder and took home the title of 2019 NBA Slam Dunk Champion.

Although it was an exciting game for the crowd, the highlight of the evening for the St. Joseph School students in attendance was the opportunity to meet the players and shoot around with them following the game.  The young men on the PSA team not only won over the crowd with their talent on the court, but their polite, humble, and caring demeanors truly had a positive impact on the children in attendance.

To view more photos and videos from the game, click HERE.