Noldin makes most of senior night in victory
GRIFFITH — Chad Noldin made sure his last game on Griffith’s home court was one he’d always remember.
Griffith’s 6-foot-5 senior center scored a game-high 17 points — all in the final three periods — lifting the Panthers (15-6) to a 47-41 win over Portage on senior night.
Noldin wasn’t overcome by his emotions during a pregame ceremony honoring Griffith’s seniors, but the big guy definitely played with plenty of emotion.
“I didn’t really show it, I was a little nervous inside maybe,’’ Noldin said. “I’m probably not going to play in college and I knew it was going to be my last game in front of the home crowd here.’’
The Panthers started slow, scoring only four points in the first quarter.
“I think everything just clicked in our heads after that,’’ Noldin said. “Some people were emotional before the game and that probably (contributed to our start). We just can’t settle for jump shots, we need to get the ball inside the paint.’’
Get the ball inside the paint — and feed the monster.
He was obviously pretty hungry and the Panthers eventually started doing it with success.
“I thought we did a pretty good job of getting the post touches later in the game,’’ Griffith coach Gary Hayes said.
Tremell Murphy scored seven of his nine points in the decisive fourth quarter, including five in a span of a couple of minutes late in the game that included a pair of sweet moves inside.
“I just felt I’d take it to the rack,’’ Noldin smiled. “It wasn’t just me, though. Tremell was getting baskets inside, too.’’
Flint Powell, meanwhile, scored 13 points and made 3 of 4 free throws after Portage’s Peter Psomadelis was whistled for a pair of technical fouls with 2:39 left in the third period and subsequently ejected.
“Flint hitting 3 of 4 free throws there was huge,’’ Hayes said.
After Powell hit the free throws, Griffith opened up a 33-27 lead.
“It was a game of possessions and in the end we did a good job of getting the ball inside,’’ Hayes said. “Chad really demanded the ball tonight. He did a heck of a job. That’s his best game of the year.’’
Hayes, who served as an assistant coach at Portage a couple of years ago, paid tribute to the way the Indians played.
“I’m so impressed with those kids when I think about what they went through two years ago,’’ Hayes said. “From where they were then to where they are now ... I just have so much respect and admiration for those kids. They’ve just worked and worked and worked. They’re just great kids.’’
Jordan Collazo led Portage with 13 points, while David Clegg added 11.
The Indians hurt themselves at the free-throw line, making 13-of-24 free throws.