The Portal Panthers men's basketball season ended last Wednesday when Portal lost to the Warren County Screaming Devils 75-73 in OT of the Elite 8 of the State Tournament. Despite not winning a state championship, the 2024 senior class for Portal's basketball team made history. They have been dominant for the majority of their tenure at Portal Middle High School.
Elijah Coleman, Amir Jackson, Joseph Thomas, and Marion Tremble were all big parts of the success that Portal has had over the last 4 years. The Panthers have a 94-19 record since the 2020-2021 season. They defended their homecourt with a 47-4 record at home and have won 28 straight home games.
The Panthers also dominated in region play, taking home four straight region championships. In the 2022-2023 season, they went on a 23-game winning streak. Portal has been to three Elite 8s and has one Sweet 16 appearance over the last 4 years. This season, the team finished with a 28-2 record and battled through a gauntlet in their non-region schedule.
Portal Men's Basketball Head Coach Jeff Brannen spoke highly of his players. "These guys have accomplished so much in their career," Brannen said. Despite not winning a state title in the 4 years with his team, he is still very proud of what they were able to do. "The last two years, we have lost in the Elite 8 on last second shots, but 2 games don't define us," Brannen said.
Brannen has been the head coach of Portal basketball since 1991. When asked about where this senior class ranks, he replied "Top 2."
Career Accolades
Coleman, Thomas and Jackson started almost every game for the entirety of their high school career. Marion Tremble took on a starting role in his junior year and started 60 games over his career. His totals may be lower than his teammates', but he has been just as impactful on his team's success.
Elijah Coleman
- 1,711 Career Points
- 544 Career Assists
- 2022 All-Region Player of the Year
- 15.8 Career Point Per Game Average
Joseph Thomas
- 1,731 Career Points
- 2024 All-Region Player of the Year
- 15.6 Career Point Per Game Average
Marion Tremble
- 638 Career Points
Amir Jackson
- 1,435 Career Points
- 1,191 Career Rebounds
- Averaged Double-Double with 13.9 Points Per Game and 10.9 Rebounds Per Game.
"I have witnessed these guys grow physically, mentally and mature over the last 4 years," Brannen said. "The one thing I want them to take away from Portal basketball is to be a good person, father, and hard worker. I know this group will be successful in anything they do."