Center and senior Krishna Gade joined Portola High’s basketball program his freshman year, playing on the junior varsity team. After tearing both his ACL and meniscus in eighth grade, he grappled with pain throughout his freshman year, both on and off the court. 

Gade joined the varsity team as a starter for his senior season to play with his closest friends, according to Gade. Prior to joining, he faced repercussions from knee surgery which forced him to get stronger before joining the team.

“The best one for me was the home game against Woodbridge,” head coach Brain Smith said. “He got elbowed in the eye, was bleeding really bad and got cut open. He came back into the game with a minute left and he ended up getting both free throws and we were up by one and won the game because of him.” 

Captain and senior Emmett Lo first played with Gade when they were in sixth grade for the youth sports organization, Socal Elite, where Gade was recruited by SoCal Elite coach and Lo’s father. Lo was able to see Gade’s growth not only as a player but a friend off the court, according to Lo. 

“He adds another layer to our offense and defense,” Emmett Lo said. “Having a big presence in the paint opens up the floor for our slashers. He sets really good screens. On defense, he’s an entirely different level; he’s an amazing paint protector. His rebounding is amazing; he always gets those boards and I never have to worry about crashing.”

Gade dunked multiple times this season, first at an Ocean View High tournament and notably at a league game against University High, engaging the crowd according to Lo. 

“The first dunk he had at our Ocean View tournament was crazy,” Emmett Lo said. “Even though we lost the game, it showed everyone how important he was to the team because of the way he can jump, unlike others. Krishna’s athleticism is really special.”

Krishna’s friends came to most games to support him in rejoining the sport he loved, according to Smith. It allowed him to reach his full potential and have more energy during games. 

“I worked through all the pain of my injuries,” Gade said. “It was always around, but with hard work and determination, I just got through it. I played my heart out this season, and put my heart and soul out on that court.”

Gade’s perseverance and dedication to the team allowed him to grow as a player, according to Smith. Gade broke the basketball program’s record for dunks during a season that created a very exciting season according to Smith.

“I think my freshman year self would be really proud and happy about my dunk,” Gade said. “He couldn’t even touch the rim. Playing with Emmett, playing with Brady, playing with Justin, it really felt like the end of high school.”