The Portage boys basketball team is off to a 7-4 start that is causing a buzz around the school and community and opening the eyes of teams around the state. After winning just one game last season, the Indians proved that they had turned it around by opening the year on a three game winning streak with victories over Highland, Michigan City and Hobart.
The 47-46 victory over Michigan City on Nov. 30 was the biggest statement game as Portage snapped a 15 game conference losing streak dating back to the 2010-2011 season. Although the Indians would drop three of the next four DAC games, losing to Valparaiso, Chesterton and Lake Central while knocking off La Porte, Portage played a competitive game against each of those top tier teams.
The Indians gave defending 3A state champion Guerin Catholic a run for its money on Dec. 27 at the Bob Wettig Tournament in Richmond. Guerin pulled out a 58-52 victory in a game that head coach Rick Snodgrass said was even closer than the final score would indicate.
“Our guys realized after that game that we can play with anybody,” Snodgrass said. “The game did open some eyes around the state, but I think our kids felt they were going to win all along and just fell a little bit short.”
The Guerin Catholic game provided Portage with the drive and intensity it needed to rap off three straight victories over Rock Creek Academy, East Central and Connersville to win the consolation bracket of the tournament. Knocking down shots propelled Portage to the wins as the Indians hit 29 three pointers during the tournament, shattering the previous Bob Wettig Tournament record of 23.
“The compliments our kids got at the Richmond Tournament were amazing,” Snodgrass said. “The people there could not believe how much we’ve improved and how hard our kids work. That’s a compliment to not only our kids, but my coaching staff that put a lot of hours in.”
Snodgrass and his staff persevered through sub-.500 seasons in each of the first five years at the helm. Portage is one win away from the previous high water mark of the Snodgrass era, an 8-14 record in 2010-2011. However, the focus is now on the present and the future for Portage, which has no seniors on its roster.
Sophomores Jordan Collazo and Jordan Simpson have been two key factors in the resurgence of Portage boys basketball. Collazo, who only played half of his freshman season because of an injury, is averaging 10.6 points per game as the starting point guard. Simpson, who saw the varsity floor for the first time this season, is averaging 12.6 points per game.
“Jordan Simpson has given us an outside scorer that we have not had on a consistent basis,” Snodgrass said. “Even in games that Jordan has been held in check, he’s done some other things.”
Junior Michael Lattanzi knocked down several critical threes in the Richmond Tournament. Junior Luke Kizer, who is the team’s most experienced player in his third year of varsity ball, has stepped into a leadership role. Snodgrass listed junior Jacob Bearss as one of the team’s unsung heroes.
“He is somebody you don’t even notice because he does the little things,” Snodgrass said. “He’s not flashy, but he’s one of our best rebounders, he’s one of our best defenders and he knocks down the shots when we need them.”
Juniors David Clegg, Peter Psomadelis and Gage Pearman have all played well in their roles, giving Portage eight reliable varsity contributors.
A return to conference play presents a big challenge in Friday’s tilt with 8-1 Merrillville, which Snodgrass called the best team in the DAC. However, a combination of youth, chemistry and talent surrounding this team could make for an exciting second half.
“These kids are the first crew of kids as juniors and sophomores that we’ve had since fifth and sixth grade,” Snodgrass said. “We’ve worked with them for a long time, and it’s starting to pay off. We know how tough the double round robin is. It’s just grueling. I wanted them to enjoy their experience at Richmond. I want them to continue to grow as a team and as they do I think the buzz of the community is going to continue to be positive.
“We have no seniors. That’s a great feeling for our kids and for us to know that our best days and games are ahead of us.”