Damion Porter Jr. Scores 39 Points to Lead Romeoville in Emotional Upset Win
Romeoville’s Senior Guard Shines in a Night to Remember
It was Damion Porter Jr.’s night. Romeoville’s senior guard scored 39 points to lead the Spartans to a 69-66 win against No. 23 Joliet West in Joliet on Tuesday.
Porter’s Dominant Performance
Porter was 7 of 12 from three-point range and single-handedly brought the Spartans back into the game when they trailed by eight points in the third quarter.
Coaches and Players Praise Porter’s Effort
"In my short time being a head coach that is the greatest individual performance I have ever seen," Joliet West coach Jeremy Kreiger said. "And that’s with Jeremy Fears Jr., Jeremiah Fears, Justus McNair. What he did to will his team and how well he played, considering he was in foul trouble. Sometimes it is a guy’s night and you just have to tip your cap."
Emotions Run High in the Game
The Joliet West-Romeoville rivalry is filled with emotions. Several players have transferred between the schools over the past few years. Romeoville sophomore Jamarri Fears was at the center of those emotions and was fighting back tears after the game. Both of his older brothers and his father starred for Joliet teams. He works out in the Joliet West gym in the summer and played for the Tigers last season before transferring to Romeoville.
Fears’ Emotional Performance
Fears found himself at the free-throw line with 31 seconds left and Romeoville trailing 65-64. "I’ve probably shot over 10,000 free throws in this gym," Fears said. "I didn’t let the crowd get to me. I sat there with confidence, did my routine. I knew they were going in." Kreiger praised Fears’ performance, saying, "Young sophomore kid, he knows his brothers helped start the foundation for our program. He’s grown up in this gym. For him, he had an opportunity tonight and he took it. I’m proud of him. For him to step up on the line in this gym for his team to take the lead? Ironic, poetic. I’m just proud of him. To watch him make those shots on this floor? Tonight was really cool high school basketball, even being on the losing side."
Team Effort
Fears finished with nine points, five rebounds, and four steals off the bench. Romeoville coach Marc Howard praised Fears’ performance, saying, "He’s a Fears. All those boys have heart and they aren’t afraid of the moment. He showed it tonight." Danny Thompson, a Joliet Central transfer, scored 12 for the Spartans, and DJ Hampton, a Minooka transfer, shot 4 for 4 from the free-throw line in the final 13 seconds and took a key charge.
Conclusion
Damion Porter Jr.’s dominant performance led the Romeoville Spartans to an emotional upset win against Joliet West. The game was filled with emotions, with several players having transferred between the schools in recent years. Romeoville’s Jamarri Fears, a sophomore, had an impressive performance, and his father, brothers, and he have a strong connection to the Joliet West program.
FAQs
- What was the final score of the game?
The final score was 69-66 in favor of Romeoville. - How many points did Damion Porter Jr. score?
Porter scored 39 points, including 7 three-pointers. - Who praised Jamarri Fears’ performance?
Joliet West coach Jeremy Kreiger praised Fears’ emotional and impressive performance, saying it was "really cool high school basketball, even being on the losing side."
