The Portal community recognized 6 seniors at the conclusion of the varsity girls basketball game. All of the seniors were given a gift bag and escorted by family at center court. Ka'Mya Blackmon, Chozin Dorr, Kecerel Shipman represented the varsity basketball cheer team. Serenity Williams was the sole senior for the varsity girls basketball team. Zion Lanier, and Hansgeorg "HG" Barth " were the 2 seniors from the boys varsity team.
Lady Panthers look to ride momentum into the postseason
The Lady Panthers were coming into Friday night after being handed their first loss in 5 games. After a slow start, the girls took control early in the first quarter with a 14-0 run that spanded the most of the period. The 3-pointers were flying for the Panthers as they caught fire from outside.
In the second quarter, the Bluejackets were able to battle back into the game and cut the lead down to 7 going into the half. Savannah High kept the momentum in the 3rd quarter as they drew even closer to Portal. The Panthers entered the 4th with a 30-25 lead.
The 4th quarter saw the Lady Panthers pounce on their opponents. They cranked up the intensity on the defensive end and was able to get easy opportunities on the fastbreak. Portal outscored Savannah 15-3 in the closing period to come away with a 17-point win. The final score was 45-28.
Head Coach Nicole Newton spoke on what changed in that 4th quarter when they took over the game. "We really get it started on the defensive end," Newton said. "We have been really stressing that as a coaching staff. When we play great defense, we get layups."
Portal closed the season winning 6 of their last 7 games to finish with a 12-9 record. "We definitely want to take that momentum into the region playoffs," Newton said. "We have a long road, but we believe that we are contenders."
London Blackmon paced the scoring for Portal with 13 points. Alyssa King backed her up with 11.
The Boys Outmatched by Bluejackets
The nightcap saw the Panthers look to close the regular season by adding to the win column. The fast paced slugfest between Portal and Savannah ended with Bluejackets coming out on top with a 78-57 win.
The first quarter was very competitive as both teams were feeling each other out. Savannah High had the size advantage and played very aggressive defense. As soon as the ballhandler for Portal came across the timeline, they were greeted with a blitz that forced a pickup or a quick pass. The two teams traded runs in the 1st quarter that ended with Savannah holding a 2-point lead.
The back and forth continued throughout the second until the Bluejackets went on a run that would find them up by 12 going into the break.
After the half, Portal tried to fight back into the game and cut into the lead. However, whenever the Panthers scored or went on a run, it was matched by their opponents. The lead was as low at 10 in the second half and the Bluejackets were able to stay in control for the remainder of the game.
Josh Coleman led the Panthers in scoring with 14 points in the game. CJ Hardin finished with 12 points.
Up Next:
Both Panthers basketball team's will be getting ready for the region playoffs. The bracket is yet to be announced. Grice Connect will update with further details when the games are announced.
