Portage Central Survives Late Drama to Top Portage Northern 60–56 in Crosstown Battle

Ben Johnson Drives into the print friday night Photo by Chris Carpenter | Team TBM

Portage is loaded with basketball talent, but both teams took a quarter to warm up. After a slow start—perhaps influenced by the “feels like 19°” temperature—Portage Northern held an 11–8 lead at the end of the first quarter. As the game settled in, shots began to fall for both sides, and Portage Central carried a narrow 26–25 lead into halftime.

Both teams found success using zone defenses in the third quarter, but Portage Central was more effective attacking the rim and knocking down key shots to create separation. Still, Portage Northern refused to go away, and the game was tied 37–37 heading into the final eight minutes.

Foul trouble for PC’s Ben Johnson and Gladson Lerebours late in the third quarter forced them to sit to start the fourth, and Northern started to take advantage. Central’s coaching staff trusted Johnson to return and play clean basketball—and he delivered—helping PC take a 47–43 lead with under three minutes remaining. The final stretch was intense. Both teams scored quickly, and Amari Lewis came up with two huge blocks, yet PC held a 50–47 lead with one minute left. An inbounds turnover gave Johnson an easy layup, but he fouled out on the next possession with 53 seconds remaining. Northern couldn’t capitalize at the free-throw line, forcing them into a foul situation.

Kardion Colbert takes the ball up court friday night Photo by Chris Carpenter | Team TBM

With 15 seconds left, PC was called for a travel, and PN trailed 57–53. Khimer Irving drilled a clutch three to cut the deficit to one. On the ensuing possession, Central’s Lerebours—who had sat much of the second half—was sent to the line and calmly knocked down both free throws. PC led 59–56 with 5.4 seconds remaining.

Central elected to foul, sending Northern to the line, where both free throws were missed. Gabe secured the rebound and returned to the line to seal it. Portage Central came out on top, 60–56.

Play of the Game (Pit Training League): Several players impressed, but one moment stood out. Cam Noe, known for his elite running back skills, showed off his athleticism with an emphatic, clean block.

Player of the Game: Despite the loss, Portage Northern’s Quinton Swanson reached the 1,000-point milestone—an incredible accomplishment. Congratulations, Quinton!

Carpenter Action Shots – Thoughts From Behind the Camera: A Kalamazoo vs. Portage All-Star game would be incredible to see.

Portage Central

Ben Johnson 17 points

Chase Fyke 14 points

Gladson Lerebours 11 points

Kardi Colbert points

Cam Noe 8 points

AJ Giebel 2 points

Portage Northern

Amari Lewis 23 points

Quinton Swanson 19 points

Khimere Irving 10 points

Greg Patrick 4 points