PORTAL — With one quarter left to play in last weekend’s Sweet Sixteen matchup against Marion County, it looked as though Portal was heading for another disappointing early exit from the Class A state playoffs.
    Instead, the Panthers (21-7) dug deep and rallied. Juniors and seniors who had fallen short in the previous two seasons kept their composure. The end result was a 77-68 victory, setting up the Panthers to host tonight’s Elite Eight matchup against Mitchell County.
    “I think that last game showed how we have grown,” Portal coach Jeff Brannen said. “(Stacy Morgan) hit a few 3-pointers to get us back in the game and everyone kind of hit the switch from there. We didn’t panic and once we started playing our game, we were able to go ahead and win it.”
    The win over Marion County was the opening game of the state playoffs for Portal, but because of the new setup in Class A this season the third-seeded Panthers are already on the cusp of reaching their second Final Four in six seasons.
    Standing in the way tonight is No. 7 seed Mitchell County (25-4) which rolled over Greenville in its first round win.
    The Eagles will pose another tough test for Portal, but Brannen is confident that the same veteran poise that showed itself last weekend will be present again.
    Mitchell County likes to run the floor — something that the Panthers also do well — but Portal can also hit the brakes in an attempt to take advantage.
    “(Mitchell County) is a team that really loves to run-and-gun,” Brannen said. “But some teams like that are also teams that don’t really like to set up in a half-court defense. If we see a chance to make them sit back and defend, that could be something that gets them out of their rhythm.”
    Whether the game is fast-paced or slows to a grind, the Panthers are full of weapons that can beat any opponent.
    Morgan has topped the 25-point mark on 12 occasions this season while Robert Lee has come on late in the season to provide slashing offense and the occasional outside shot.
    The Panthers also have a trio of senior starters getting their last chance to make a run in the playoffs, and Corey Reese, Treston White and Shawn Hagins have all proven that they can shine even under the brightest of lights.
    As Marion County found out, Portal will be a tough out in the tournament — especially once it catches fire. The Panthers have all of the flash to carry them into the Final Four, but the little things could prove to be the biggest difference.
    “I think that our guys are ready,” Brannen said. “The last few days, we’ve just been working on things like defense and free throws. Everyone who is still playing is a good team. You never know when just one or two little free throws could send you home or into the next round.”
    Portal’s Final Four appearance in 2008 is the only other state semifinal for the Panthers.
    The winner of tonight’s game will take on either Wilcox County or Turner County Friday afternoon at Fort Valley State.
   
    Mike Anthony may be reached at (912) 489-9404.