Ben Johnson made history on December 19, 2023, as he became only the second player in Portage Central’s basketball history to surpass 1,000 career points. In a decisive 75-44 victory against Battle Creek Lakeview, the senior sharpshooter achieved this milestone with a three-pointer in the third quarter, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Johnson’s achievement places him in an elite group alongside Austin McCullough, who reached the same milestone in 2017. In the game, Johnson contributed a total of 11 points, while teammate Kardi Colbert led the team with 19 points. Additional contributions came from Gladson Lerebours, who scored 9 points, and both Chase Fyke and AJ Giebel, who added 8 points each.
Portage Central currently holds a record of 3-3 for the season. Following this victory, the team faced a loss against Marian, with the next game scheduled for January 6, 2024, against Benton Harbor at home.
Schoolcraft Pulls Off Impressive Comeback
In another thrilling matchup on the same day, Schoolcraft rallied from a 15-point deficit to secure a dramatic 57-54 victory over Parchment. The Eagles showed remarkable resilience, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they held Parchment to just four points.
Ty Goddard and Jimmy Miller were instrumental in the comeback, contributing a combined 20 points during the final stretch. Goddard hit three three-pointers, finishing the game with 19 points, while Miller led all scorers with 29 points. Parchment initially built a comfortable lead, thanks to key performances from Donjae Gilmore-Slater and BJ Hunt, but Schoolcraft’s determination shone through in the end.
Following this victory, Schoolcraft improved its record to 3-1. The team will visit Centreville on January 2, 2024, while Parchment, now standing at 4-3, will host Delton Kellogg on January 6.
The excitement in local high school basketball continues, with several teams showing promising talent and determination as the season progresses.
