Kzoo Central Pulls Away Late to Defeat Portage Central, 70–54

Kalamazoo Central's Tyvaughn Jackson shoots a wide open three friday night. Photo by Chris Carpenter | Team TBM

PC came out with a clear game plan, opening the night in a zone defense designed to slow down Isaiah Theodile. The strategy paid off early, as PC jumped out to a quick 7–0 lead and forced KC to burn an early timeout. KC struggled to find rhythm from beyond the arc, with several open three-point looks failing to fall. Despite the slow start, KC responded with increased pressure, using a full-court press to claw back into the game. PC maintained a slim edge through the end of the first quarter, leading 15–10.

The momentum shifted in the second quarter as KC’s zone defense and relentless activity in the passing lanes took control. Turnovers fueled KC’s transition game, and the offense followed suit. By halftime, KC had flipped the script, taking a 29–20 lead into the locker room. The third quarter turned into a grind, with both teams working hard for every basket. Second-chance points played a major role on both sides, as rebounds led to extra opportunities. TyVoughn Jackson caught fire during the stretch, knocking down shots from behind the three-point line to extend KC’s advantage. KC entered the final quarter firmly in control, leading 53–38.

KC continued to apply defensive pressure in the fourth, but PC refused to give up, playing with energy and effort until the final buzzer. In the end, KC’s depth, defense, and timely shooting proved too much, as they pulled away for a 70–54 victory.

Check back later for all the photos from this game.

https://carpenteractionshots.smugmug.com/Photo-Galleries-/2026/KC-vs-PC-Boys-Varsity-Basketball-012326

Davier White shoots a fade-away jumper friday night. Photo by Chris Carpenter | Team TBM

Play of the Game – Presented by Pit Training LeagueEarly in the third quarter, Isaiah drew a triple team and stayed poised under pressure, delivering a perfect pass to a cutting teammate for an easy layup.

Player of the Game Kalamazoo Central’s TyVoughn Jackson earned Player of the Game honors after knocking down six three-pointers and leading all scorers with 22 points. Carpenter Action Shots – Thoughts From Behind the CameraI’d love to see Kalamazoo Central’s Isaiah Theodile (Oakland Commit)  matched up against Schoolcraft’s Jimmy Miller (Wayne State). Leave a comment below and let me know how you think that battle would play out.

Kalamazoo Central

TyVoughn Jackson- 22 points

Jonathon Edwards- 13 points

Davier White- 12 points

Isaiah Theodile- 11 points

Taveon Vaughn- 2 points

Jontee Willhite- 1 point

Portage Central

Kardi Colbert- 17 points

Ben Johnson- 16 points

Chase Fyke- 9 points

Nolan Bloomquist- 8 points

AJ Gieber- 4 points