Putnam Science men fall short, finishes 37-4
W. HARTFORD — The Putnam Science Academy men’s prep basketball season came to an end in the Final Four of the National Prep Championships at the hands of Newman, 81-75. Kamai Samuels was incredible with 25 points, 7 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals in the loss. Jordan Skyers had a strong showing with 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Adama Tambedou scored 8 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals. The Mustangs finished the 2025-26 season with a record 37-4 while setting a program record 50 straight wins established in December at the Sunshine Prep Classic after defeating Sunrise Christian Academy.
The Mustangs were NEBL regular season champions, Big 6 regular season and conference tournament champions and advanced to the Final Four for the second straight year.
So far, three players have announced their intentions to continue their academic and basketball careers at the Div. I level. Parrish Edmond signed with Siena University of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, Jah Hatchett has signed with Fairfield University also of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and Adama Tambedou will be playing in the Big Ten Conference at the University of Maryland. Several more players will announce their college commitment within the next few weeks. All members of the 2025-26 Putnam Science Academy men’s prep basketball team will move on to bigger and better things ahead.
Earlier David Gaymon starred with 18 points in the first round win in the National Prep Championship tournament against Sunrise Christian Academy, 91-81. Gaymon also had 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Jalen Taggart became the first player in Putnam Science Academy history to score 700 points in a season with his 15-point, 2-rebound, 2-assist performance. Jordan Skyers went for 15 points as well with 7 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal. Adama Tambedou went for a 14- point, 13-rebound performance to go with a steal, an assist and a block. Favour Egbuna grabbed 11 boards and scored 7 points with 2 blocks. Kamai Samuels scored 8 points with 2 assists; Brayson Green scored 6 points while hauling in 7 rebounds. Jah Hatchett went for 4 points, 4 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals. Joseph Adebayo contributed 2 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
Lady Mustangs reach Final 4
W. HARTFORD — In a lionhearted effort — or in this case a Mustang-hearted effort — the Putnam Science Academy women’s prep team fell in the Final Four in National Prep Championships to Spire Academy, 55-48. Valentina Vrcan led the Mustangs in scoring with 18 points, while Fatima Diouf scored 15 with 7 rebounds. Paola Kanoute crashed the glass for 9 rebounds. Laheile Lockel scored 7 points with 2 steals. The Putnam Science Academy women’s prep team ends the season with a record of 12-11. Earlier, in the quarterfinals of the National Prep Championships against Newman, the team survived 56-45, advancing to the semifinals. Paola Kanoute was exceptional with 22 points, to lead the Mustangs in scoring, with 6 rebounds. Valentina Vrcan played an exceptional game as well with 13 points, dishing out 8 assists and rebounding 5. Adut Tour went for 6 points and 6 rebounds. Fatima Diouf scored 5 points along with 3 rebounds, Molka Mares scored 6 points in the win. Paolla Uwase went for 3 points while hauling in 6 boards. Laheile Lockel scored 2 points and had 2 rebounds.
By Ben Heacox
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Parrish Edmond takes off. #14 Adama Tambedou
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