Bearcats race past Wolverines in tourney opener

Hendersonville’s sizzling outside shooting helped lead the Bearcats to an 87-40 victory Monday over Polk County in the opening round of the Mountain Foothills 7 Conference Boys Basketball Tournament in Hendersonville.

The second-seeded Bearcats improved to 17-7 and moved into Wednesday’s semifinals to face East Rutherford. Polk County’s season ended at 3-21.

Hendersonville raced to a 29-5 lead at the end of the opening period, with Malachi Simpson and C.J. Landrum each scoring eight points. Bearcat Peyton Rodriguez had a 3-pointer in the first period, then added five more in the second quarter, helping Hendersonville build a 57-23 advantage at the half.

Aaron Jackson finished with 12 points to pace Polk County, with Gunnar Alm adding eight. Khristian Littlejohn scored seven points, with Avery Harden adding six.

Lawson Carter and Chase Stansbury each scored three points while Nolan Simpson finished with one.