(O'Mari Evans driving against Lake Central. Photo from the NWI Times)

 

The senior core of Portage proved to be too much Chesterton on Friday night. O'mari Evans, Michael Wellman, and Garrett Clark dominated from the tip, leading Portage to a 69-55 win.

 

Portage, entering the sectional 18-5, and Chesterton, entering 15-8 and on a seven-game winning streak, were the favorites to win the Sectional 2 at Valparaiso. The DAC rivals received byes to the semifinal but had to face each other on Friday night. 

 

From the tip, Evans set the tone with his defense. He forced two steals for runouts in the first quarter. Wellman was initially aggressive, and Clark gave Portage extra possessions by hitting the glass.

 

Portage jumped out to a 17-6 lead after the first period. Junior guard Logan Pokorney hit two three-pointers for Chesterton's only points. 

 

The Trojans made the game competitive in the second quarter by slowing down and scoring second-chance points. Rob Czarniecki and Cayden Schneider gave Chesterton a boost in the quarter. 

 

An eight-point guard at halftime, Evans opened the second half with two three-pointers in quick secession and all but put the game out of reach. An unsigned senior, Evans had a tremendous second half to finish with 24 points, four steals, three rebounds, and three assists.

 

While trailing, Pokorney kept shooting well for Chesterton. He has progressed into an elite spot-up shooter who does an outstanding job of preparing before catching the ball. He finished with 22 points on six three-pointers.

 

Jaylon Watts also had success slashing to the basket, especially in the fourth quarter, for Chesterton. He scored 18 in the loss.

 

Portage used a half-court trap to keep Chesterton on its heels all game, and the turnovers Portage forced out of it were the difference in the game. 

 

Michael Wellman scored 16 points, and Sam Wellman iced the game at the line to finish with 12 points and five assists. Clark tallied nine points and 12 rebounds. 

 

Portage plays Merrillville for the Sectional 2 title at Valpo High School on Saturday night.