A New Season and New Beginnings for Jose Perez
Photo Credit: Jeffery Armstrong
On March 7th, Jose Perez's Career at Wings Academy came to a crushing end has they lost in the PSAL City semi-finals to Thomas Jefferson high School. It was a sudden end to a great three year career where he won a city and state title as well as consecutive Bronx Borough championships. During his last season at Wings, Perez averaged 23 points and seven rebounds per game. Perez also reached a milestone of 1000 career points.
The 6-6 Wing public school career may be over but he still has a lot of work left to do and he decided Wings Academy and is currently Enrolled at Putnam Science in Connecticut. Putnam Science Academy is a well known prep school that has attracted tons of players from New York City. Putnam Science Academy competes in the prestigious NEPSAC league. Notable NYC alumni of Putnam includes Mamadou Diarra (UCONN) Hamidou Diallo (Kentucky), Dayshon "Scoochie" Smith (Dayton), and many more. Jose will get his High School diploma from Putnam, then he will do a post grad year. "Putnam was the best choice for me and my family" Says Perez.
Perez currently has offers from LIU, Arkansas State, Manhattan and Stony Brook but more offers could be on the way for him depending how well he performs during the EYBL season starting soon and when he starts playing at Putnam in the fall. Last year he got his first taste at playing against elite competition in the EYBL, but with some experience under his belt he should be more prepared in a few weeks.
Playing in the NEPSAC means he will be facing some very good competition on a nightly basis compared to the PSAL where he has played in the past few years, it also means he will be facing some familiar faces along the way. One player Jose can't wait to compete against is fellow Bronx Native Brewster Academy's Sid Wilson. "The NEPSAC is a great league, I'm kind of close with Sid that's my guy. He's going to be shocked when he finds out I go to Putnam".
As for this upcoming EYBL season, Perez will be running with the PSA Cardinals and he's looking to be more of a leader, he is already meshing well with his new teammates as well as some of the returning players. " We have become close with each other and we are bonding fast, Leondre Washington (formerly of the NJ Playaz) out of Teaneck, he's a big piece for us we needed him. Everybody is focused and playing their role".
After a great open practice, Perez is highly confident going into the EYBL season. "I want to be more of a leader and lead this team back to the Peach Jam championship, I also want to play better so I can get more offers".
Perez and the rest of the PSA Cardinals will start their EYBL season April 21-23 for session 1 at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton, Virginia.
Photo provided by Jeffery Armstrong follow him on Twitter at VisionsByJeff
