The Spartans may have narrowly missed a spot in the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs for the first time in 10 years, but there is much reason for them to feel encouraged going into next season.

Porter is one of those reasons.

The third-year junior forward keyed Lathrop’s year-round improvement that culminated in a four-game winning streak at the end of the campaign. The Spartans (13-14) ended Western Athletic Conference play last Thursday with a 58-50 upset of Beyer behind Porter’s 23 points, nine rebounds and five steals. She made two 3s and three of four free throws. Defensively, she was among those tasked with Patriots standout Kylie Kulina, who came in averaging close to 20 points.

“Shakara played the perfect game on both sides of the ball,” Lathrop coach Dwayne Davis said. “She took the shots that the offense created for her from 10-12 feet all over the floor … Her defense in the game was very good, but she turned it up another level when we put her on Beyer’s best player. She held her to two points in the fourth quarter.”

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, Porter recorded 12 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and two steals, as Lathrop routed Central Valley 51-22 in Ceres. It was her fifth double-double of the season.

Overall, Porter averaged 10.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.9 steals.

“She’s been very consistent the past six games, and she’s grown into her leadership role as a captain,” Davis said. “When she started being more vocal with her teammates, we started playing better.”