Lady Raiders win District Championship

On Friday night, the Portland High School Lady Raider basketball squad hosted the Black Knights of Belding High School in the MHSAA district 37 finals.

Despite a third quarter charge by the Black Knights which started with back-to-back-to-back three-pointers, the Raiders were dominate the majority of the game, and picked up a decisive 57-33 victory to win their second district crown in two years.

Portland was led offensively by junior Ashley Bower who scored 23 points. Juniors Ava Guilford and Alivia Densmore scored 12 and 10 points respectively.

Belding was led by senior Ashtyn Cegelis and freshman Brook Simpson who each scored 15 points.

Video of Portland Head Coach Jason Haid’s comments after the game can be found below.

After the win, Portland’s three seniors, Ava Gruber, Hannah Schrauben and Grace Sines celebrated their last basketball game at PHS by kissing the Raider Bird at center court.

Score by quarter:

1st – 2nd – 3rd – 4th – Final

Portland 18 – 14 – 15 – 10 - 57

Belding 4 – 12 – 15 – 2 – 33

With the win, Portland’s overall record for the season improves to 15-2. According to the MHSAA website as of the time of this posting, they start regional action on Monday the 29th when they will face Freeland at 7:00 at Corunna High School.

The Falcons of Freeland are 11-7 this year. Their district path included wins over Bullock Creek, Swan Valley and Bay City John Glen.

The winner of the Portland/Freeland game will face the winner of Frankenmuth/Lake Fenton in the region 10 finals.