The last two weeks have revealed the downward spiral and ensuing closure of Putnam Science Academy in Putnam, Conn. For many, the biggest question has been: What happens to the school's elite basketball programs? On Monday, we got one answer: Woodstock Academy, via a press release published by WINY Radio, announced the former Putnam Science...
The last two weeks have revealed the downward spiral and ensuing closure of Putnam Science Academy in Putnam, Conn.
For many, the biggest question has been: What happens to the school's elite basketball programs?
On Monday, we got one answer: Woodstock Academy, via a press release published by WINY Radio, announced the former Putnam Science boys program, led by coaches Tom Espinosa and Josh Scraba, will be relocating to the private school in Woodstock, Conn.
“We are extremely excited to be bringing our basketball program to The Woodstock Academy. This partnership has the potential to reach the highest level of high school basketball. I can’t thank Dr. Lawrence Filippelli and Jon Sturdevant enough for believing in our vision and giving us this incredible opportunity. We are thrilled to join the WA community and look forward to bringing high-level basketball, excitement, and pride to campus,” Espinosa said in the release.
Woodstock Academy competed in the CIAC's Eastern Connecticut Conference last season and posted an 11-11 record. Espinosa led Putnam Science to five national prep championships and produced countless future college basketball players.
"The Woodstock Academy is very excited to add this program to our vast number of offerings for our students and community. We look forward to this unique partnership for The Academy's future," said Filippelli, Woodstock's head of school, in the press release.
It is currently unclear if the former Putnam Science team (now branded as Woodstock on Twitter/X and Instagram) will become a Woodstock Academy program, or if Woodstock is merely a host and partner school for the program. Putnam Science had previously announced it would be joining Overtime Elite's national high school league and competed as Putnam Science in this month's NEPSAC Boys Scholastic Showcase weekends.
The fate of Putnam Science's girls basketball program, led by first-year girls coach Marigona Bacaliu, is also still unclear. The Mustangs were led by Div. 1-caliber 2027 prospects Paola Kanoute and Fatima Diouf, both from France, last winter.
