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Putnam Science Academy last week hosted its biggest Drills and Skills camp to date.
It was also the best one.
“When these kids come to us for the week, they usually do a really good job,” said PSA men’s basketball coach and camp director Tom Espinosa.
“But this past week, it was the best group of kids we’ve ever had.
“I’m talking about their energy, their willingness to listen and learn, how positive they all were. I didn’t have to talk to one kid about their attitude all week. No one complained about playing time or other kids at the camp, no one complained about calls by the ref during games. They were phenomenal.”
There were 75 boys and girls, ages 6-14, working out from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
They were broken into two divisions – the Big East for the younger group, the NBA for the older – with three teams in each. Coaches TaNajia Smith, Ashley Burke, Kevin Donovan, Josh Scraba, Nick Schmidt, and Harrison Chipkin each selected a Camper of the Day from their respective teams to recognize someone who stood out for their work ethic.
In addition to daily games, campers also went through multiple stations in which they worked on dribbling, passing, and shooting, and took part in multiple competitions.
The week ended with Providence (coached by Burke) winning the Big East championship game, and the Nuggets (coached by Scraba) winning the NBA title game, followed by all-star games for both divisions.
Award winners from the week include: Free throw champions, Jordan Ashton (Big East) and TJ Espinosa (NBA); Elbow shooting champions, Ashton (Big East) and Espinosa (NBA); Hot Shot champions, Max Arnio (Big East) and Espinosa (NBA); 1-on-1 champions, Gavin Sweatman (Big East) and Espinosa (NBA); Coaches Award, Julian Thorn (Big East) and Kason Safford (NBA); Hustle Award, Greyson Dollar (Big East) and Anna Hernandez (NBA); and MVP, Thomas Neal (Big East) and Camden Kell (NBA).
There will be one more shortened camp. Go to: https://putnamscience.org/psa-drills-and-skills-aau to register.
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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