The 1951 Portsmouth Trojans went 18-4, and won a memorable showdown with the Chillicothe Cavaliers in the district championship. CHS had come into the game with a perfect 20-0 mark, and had their sights set on making the state tournament. But the Men of Troy had plans to end the Cavaliers hopes, and that they did with a late rally to sqeeze by the Ross Countians by a 53-51 score.
In the regular season, Portsmouth posted a respectable 4-3 record in the GOL, beating Lima in the only meeting between the two. Non-conference wins included Cincinnati Elder, Dayton Stivers, Ironton twice, Cincinnati Walnut Hills, and Columbus East. PHS opened the season with a 71-50 win over Portsmouth East. The tournament started out with easy sectional wins over Gallipolis 69-39, and Wellston 83-38. Greenfield was defeated in the district semifinal before the classic showdown with Chillicothe. Hamilton defeated the Trojans in the regional semifinal 48-40.
Portsmouth HS Hall of Famers Dick Klitch and Don Ellis were members of this team.