Bolstered Mountaineers pull away from Polk for WHC win

Mitchell took advantage of Polk County’s second quarter struggles Tuesday en route to a 79-61 win over the Wolverines in Western Highlands Conference basketball action in Ledger.

Aided by the return of players from its 1A state runner-up football squad, the Mountaineers (1-5, 1-0) outscored Polk (3-4, 1-1) 17-7 in the second period to build a 37-22 halftime lead.

Jamal Wheeler scored 21 points to lead Polk County. Jaymes Wingo scored 13 and Wes Mullis added 10 for the Wolverines, who also got eight points from Daniel Painter, seven from Dillion Overholt and two from Seth Hardin.

Polk County returns home Friday to host Mountain Heritage in another WHC matchup.