PORTLAND, Maine – The Portland High School boys basketball team secured the Class A South championship title Saturday with a decisive 48-30 victory over Cheverus at Cross Insurance Arena, earning a berth in the state championship game.
The Bulldogs (16-6) overcame a slow start, where Cheverus jumped to an early 8-0 lead fueled by three-pointers from Jameson Fitzpatrick and a basket from Jayden Donato, to dominate the remainder of the contest. Portland’s defense proved pivotal, holding Cheverus to just 28% shooting from the field (11 of 39).
Lucas LeGage led all scorers with 17 points, including three three-pointers, a significant increase from his recent playoff performances where he had been utilized more as a decoy. “We were well scouted and I knew I was going to be used as a decoy those first few games. But this is a bigger game, higher stakes, so I knew I was going to have to step up,” LeGage said, according to the Press Herald.
Cordell Jones contributed 10 points and eight rebounds, earning the regional tournament’s most outstanding player award. Loic Ramazani added seven points, three steals, and two blocks, whereas Maddox Meas finished with eight points, highlighted by several tough drives to the basket.
Cheverus (13-8), which had started the season 1-5 while integrating recent players and navigating injuries, struggled to find offensive rhythm against Portland’s relentless defense. Freshman Khaelon Watkins, a standout performer for Cheverus earlier in the season, was limited to five points. Colton Jewett added six, and Fitzpatrick finished with a team-high nine points. Jayden Donato scored eight.
Portland coach Joe Russo’s decision to employ a smaller lineup in the third quarter, removing 6-foot-7 center Benilson Lumani, appeared to unlock the Bulldogs’ offense. Ramazani capitalized on the increased space, scoring off an assist from Meas and then hitting a three-pointer. Meas followed with a baseline drive and finger roll, extending Portland’s lead to 29-22 heading into the fourth quarter.
Portland continued to build its lead in the fourth, with Meas adding two three-point plays and LeGage hitting another three-pointer to establish a 39-26 advantage with 4:15 remaining. Over the final 11:25 of the game, Portland outscored Cheverus 26-8.
“We rely on defense,” Russo said.
Portland will face Camden Hills (20-1), the North champion, in the state championship game at 7:45 p.m. Next Saturday at Cross Insurance Arena. Portland’s last state final appearance was in 2023, a loss to South Portland in Class AA, and their last championship came in 2017 against the same opponent. Cheverus coach Richie Ashley acknowledged the success of his team’s season despite the loss, stating, “When you look back at it, it’s a very successful season.”
