Speaking of great leagues, Portsmouth was a member of the Greater Ohio League from the mid 40's to the mid 70's. The league's steady members were Middletown, Hamilton, Lima, Springfield, and Portsmouth. Chillicothe and Mansfield were members briefly. From 1944 to 1961, the GOL produced 11 big school state championships (Middletown 7, Hamilton 2, Springfield 1, and Portsmouth 1). As good as Portsmouth's program has been historically, the Trojans only won the GOL twice (1955 and 1961). PHS was eliminated in the regionals in the 1950's 4 times by Middletown or Hamilton. In 1956, Portsmouth lost to Middletown (with Jerry Lucas) in the regional semifinal 102-82, a score which for that time was extremely rare and today unheard of in tournament play.
Hamilton left the league in the 1960's, splitting into Hamilton Taft(won the state in 1962) and Hamilton, while Middletown exited several years later. The GOL finally disbanded in the mid 70's with the only remaining members being Springfield South, Lima, and Portsmouth. PHS had a losing record against every GOL opponent, Middletown 17-47, Hamilton 10-21, Lima 12-19, and Springfield(South) 29-36. The Trojans had some very good teams during those GOL years, but the league was probably the toughest in the state at that time. As a result of the rugged competition that the GOL provided, the Trojans did very well against non-league opponents, especially those in Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati.
