There was lots of drama in the PHS East Gym on Friday night as the girls varsity basketball team played host to Valparaiso in a thrilling Duneland Athletic Conference showdown. The two teams put on a terrific show keeping the fans glued to their seats throughout most of the game.
However, the lady-Indians trailed by one point with 9.6 seconds left and eventually fell 45-39. The Vikings pulled away by sinking free throw after free throw in the final seconds. The junior varsity game also resulted in a Valpo victory, 45-39.
It was Portage Youth Basketball night at PHS as the future of Portage basketball was on display. Many PYB players were in attendance and several got the opportunity to play in scrimmage games on the varsity court, which were held at halftime of both the varsity and junior varsity games.
The PHS Pep Band was in attendance for the first time this season. The band helped contribute to the electric atmosphere that was present throughout the contest. The cheerleading squad and dance team also performed during the game.
Junior Nicki Monahan continued her strong season for the Indians. She has been the team’s leading scorer every game this year. Monahan totaled 16 points in the loss to Valparaiso. Sophomore Alexis Johnson had six points, while freshmen Kaitlin Doud chipped in five. Doud has made the transition from middle school to starting varsity look easy this season and is emerging as a scoring threat.
Basketball season is in full swing at PHS. The girls have another home game on Tuesday against a young but talented LaPorte team. Next Friday night the boys and girls will play a varsity double header at Chesterton High School, starting with the girls at 6:00. The lady-Indians hold a 1-6 record on the season, but four of those losses came at the hands of highly ranked opponents. The Portage girls are known for starting slow. A year ago they started the season 1-10 but then picked it up in the second half of the season and reached the sectional championship game. Don’t miss the chance to support the student athletes by coming out and seeing a basketball game at PHS this winter as the boys and girls continue to provide fun evenings of quality entertainment.
Click here for photos from Friday's junior varsity game!!!
Click here for a full photos gallery from Friday's varsity contest!!!