In a tightly contested match on March 12, 2024, the Portola boys basketball team secured a narrow 50-48 victory over Woodbridge High School in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) showdown. The win helped Portola maintain its undefeated status at home and within the league, improving its overall record to 16-5 and 3-0 in league play.
Woodbridge, the league favorite, faced significant challenges as they played without their star point guard, Jaden Sabino, a two-time all-league player and key contributor with an average of 25 points per game. His absence has been felt, as the team has now lost four of its last five games, dropping to 13-8 overall and 1-2 in league standings.
Defensive Strategies Shape the Game
Despite the game not unfolding as expected, Portola coach Brian Smith emphasized the growth opportunity for his team. “We didn’t have a single player in double digits, didn’t break 60 points,” Smith noted. The matchup, which he anticipated would be fast-paced, saw a different rhythm, particularly in the fourth quarter.
Portola struggled offensively, making only one field goal in the final period. Nonetheless, they managed to protect a six-point lead, with senior Lucas Ip scoring the only basket just seconds into the quarter. Woodbridge also faced difficulties in scoring, managing only three field goals in the fourth.
Portola showcased a balanced attack with seven players contributing at least five points. Leading the team was Chase Wright with nine points, followed closely by Regis Hearn with eight. Both Gavin Nguyen and Ip added seven points each, demonstrating the depth of the Bulldogs’ roster.
Turning Point and Key Moments
The Bulldogs’ ability to draw fouls made a crucial difference, converting 9 of 16 free throws compared to Woodbridge’s 6 of 11. The game’s momentum shifted late in the first half when Portola executed a four-point run, highlighted by Hearn’s putback just before the buzzer, giving the Bulldogs a 32-28 lead at halftime.
Woodbridge coach Steven Scoggin did not view the final missed shot as the decisive moment. Instead, he pointed to the late first-half surge by Portola as the key difference in the game. “We executed pretty good for the most part,” Ip reflected on the fourth quarter, highlighting the importance of securing rebounds during critical moments.
With just under a minute remaining, Woodbridge cut the lead to 49-48 with a three-pointer from sophomore Jahan Adloo, who has been stepping up in Sabino’s absence. The teams exchanged turnovers, leading to a final possession for Woodbridge. Despite a good effort by Garrett DiCostanzo, whose three-point attempt fell short, Portola secured the rebound and the victory.
As the PCL regular season progresses, Woodbridge hopes for a swift recovery for Sabino, whose return could prove pivotal as teams prepare for the upcoming league tournament. Each team will face off once in the regular season, with results determining the four teams that will automatically qualify for the playoffs. With their latest win, Portola has solidified its position as a strong contender in the league.
