Espinosa makes PHS history with All-State Honors
PUTNAM --- In a season filled with remarkable achievements, Putnam High School freshman basketball player TJ Espinosa has etched his name into the record books, becoming the first freshman boys’ basketball player in school history to earn All-State honors.
Espinosa, a standout point guard for the Clippers, delivered a sensational debut season, showcasing skill, leadership, and maturity beyond his years. He averaged an impressive 23 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals per game, leading the team in scoring, assists, three-point field goals made, three-point percentage, and free-throw percentage.
One of the most unforgettable moments of Espinosa’s season came on Jan. 20 against Lyman, when he recorded the first quadruple-double in Putnam High history. His stat line was nothing short of extraordinary: 21 points, 18 assists, 10 rebounds, and 10 steals. His 18 assists also tied a school record that had stood for nearly 50 years, previously set by Bob Chenail.
Espinosa continued to rewrite the record books throughout the season. He shot an outstanding 85 percent from the free-throw line, converting 91 of 107 attempts, and set a new single-season record for three-point field goals made with 57, surpassing the previous mark of 56 held by Peter Vitale. He also posted a season-high 36 points in a January matchup.
Basketball excellence runs in the Espinosa family. TJ’s father, Tom Espinosa, was a two-time
All-State selection for Putnam High in 1996 and 1997, making TJ’s accomplishment even more special.
Head coach Shawn Deary had high praise for his young star. “TJ arguably had the greatest freshman season in Putnam High history,” Deary said. “He brought the Clippers to another level with his work ethic—not just in games, but in practice. I’m really
excited to see what the future holds for TJ and the Clippers in the coming years.”
In addition to his All-State recognition, Espinosa was also named First Team All-League in the ECC.
Espinosa and the rest of Connecticut’s All-State selections will be honored April 21,
capping off a historic season for one of the state’s brightest young talents.
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