A 10-0 spurt in the final minute of the second quarter enabled Asheville to build a 19-point halftime lead en route to a 86-61 win over Polk County in Monday’s opening round of the Holidays on the Hardwood basketball tournament in Cherokee.
The Cougars (5-2) outscored Polk County (3-6) 18-8 in the second period, helping Asheville build a 39-20 halftime lead.
Damon Scott scored 13 points to lead Asheville, which placed four players in double figures.
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Jamal Wheeler scored 29 points to pace Polk County, which also got 13 points from Wes Mullis, six from Dillion Overholt, five from Jaylon Bontrager and two each from Rustin Muse, Daniel Painter, Brandon Bacher and Davis Derkach.
The Wolverines continue play Tuesday in the consolation round, facing Cosby, Tenn. at 2:30 p.m. All games are being played at Cherokee High School.
Here are Monday’s scores and Tuesday’s pairings:
Monday’s scores
Hayesville 75, Owen 54
Greenville, S.C. 77, North Buncombe, 72
Asheville 86, Polk County 61
Cherokee 106, Cosby, Tenn. 80
Tuesday’s games
Owen vs. North Buncombe, 11:30 a.m.
Polk County vs. Cosby, Tenn., 2:30 p.m.
Hayesville vs. Greenville, S.C., 5:30 p.m.
Asheville vs. Cherokee, 8:30 p.m.
