The Niles (MI) varsity football team will host Portland (MI) for a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m.

What: Michigan High School Football
Who: Niles (MI) vs Portland (MI)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Portland vs. Niles: A Competitive Breakdown of the 2024-2025 Season

As the 2024-2025 basketball season unfolds, two teams from Michigan are turning heads with their impressive performances—Portland and Niles. Both teams have dominated in their respective leagues, with strong records and outstanding scoring averages. Let’s dive into the details and compare these two powerhouses.

Portland: An Unstoppable Force

Portland’s 24-25 season has been nothing short of spectacular. The team has yet to lose a game, sitting at an unblemished 11-0 record. Their success is a combination of an outstanding offense and a formidable defense. In league play, Portland remains perfect at 7-0, while their non-league record stands at 2-0, adding to their overall dominance.

Portland’s scoring averages showcase their offensive firepower. In the first quarter alone, they score an average of 19.5 points, with balanced production across the board in the second, third, and fourth quarters. They finish games strong with a final average of 41.5 points per game, which places them among the top teams in the state. Their defense has also been incredible, allowing just 121 points across 11 games, averaging only 11 points per game to their opponents.

Niles: A Close Contender

Niles, with a 24-25 record of 10-1 overall, has been equally impressive but faces more challenges in comparison to Portland. The team boasts a perfect league record of 7-0 but experienced one loss in non-league play. Despite the one loss, Niles’ 10-1 record puts them firmly in the conversation for a top-tier team in Michigan basketball this season.

Niles’ scoring averages tell a slightly different story. The team starts games slowly, averaging just 10.3 points in the first quarter, but they steadily improve in the second quarter, scoring 11.3 points on average. Their overall game sees a drop-off in the third quarter, where they average just 5.8 points, followed by a mild recovery in the fourth with 7.0 points per game. Their final average of 39.7 points per game is lower than Portland’s but still reflects a competitive and solid offensive system.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Though Portland and Niles are both undefeated in league play, they have not yet faced each other. Their head-to-head record remains to be written, but it will be a much-anticipated matchup when it happens. Against common opponents, both teams are performing admirably, with both managing to win the games they’ve played.

Home and Away Records

Both teams have been dominant on their home courts. Portland remains undefeated at home, with a 6-0 record, while Niles has posted a perfect 7-0 mark when playing at home. The difference comes in their away games: Portland has notched 5 wins and 0 losses on the road, while Niles has a slightly more challenging 3-1 away record.

Playoff and In-State Performance

In playoff games, both Portland and Niles have been flawless, with Portland at 2-0 and Niles also boasting a 2-0 record. In-state play has been another area of strength for both teams, with Portland maintaining an 11-0 record against Michigan teams and Niles posting a 10-1 mark. Neither team has had to face any out-of-state opponents yet, which could provide another interesting test down the stretch.

Conclusion: A Season of Greatness

Both Portland and Niles have established themselves as elite programs in Michigan basketball this season. Portland, with its perfect record and high-scoring offense, seems to be the stronger team on paper. However, Niles’ resilience and near-perfect league play make them a formidable opponent. The potential matchup between these two teams will likely be one of the most exciting games of the season, and it will surely have significant implications for the rest of the state tournament picture. As the season continues, both teams look poised for a deep run, and the battle for Michigan basketball supremacy is sure to be one to watch.