Even after ending their regular season on a nine-game winning streak, it was the postseason that fouled up Portal’s year as a whole.
    First, the Panthers succumbed to a 64-50 loss in the quarterfinal of the region 3-A tournament to rival Jenkins County. The loss dropped the Panthers to the 16th spot in the power ratings, but it was still good enough to have Portal host a first round game.
    Alas, an appeal by their future opponent Lincoln County caused the math to be rechecked — and alas the math was indeed incorrect. This flipped Portal and Lincoln County’s spots in the power ratings, and thus the Panthers would have to travel the hour-plus trip north for their first round game.
    Perhaps it was the road trip plus the loss of momentum that ultimately undid Portal in the end. The Panthers fell 58-54 to Lincoln County, mounting a strong comeback even after being down by 18 in the third quarter.
    Timmy Williams finished with a team-high 20 points, while Ronald Williams finsihed with 16. In the end according to head coach Jeff Brannen, Portal was simply “short handed” Saturday night, referencing being out their third leading scorer Wyee Williams.
    Portal finishes the season 18-10 and 9-3 in its region, good enough for a fourth place finish. Their spot in the final power ratings won’t be known until the tournament wraps up in March.