A dominant second quarter proved decisive as Macon Middle School overcame a sluggish start to defeat Polk County Middle 44-38 in Monday’s opening round of the Blue Ridge Conference Tournament.
The Panthers erased an early 14-point deficit by holding Polk County to just one point in the second period, turning the tide in what became a season-ending loss for the Wolverines.
Polk County (5-8) stunned the hosts early, racing to a 21-7 lead after the first quarter. The Wolverines’ explosive start featured a balanced attack, with Hollis Williams, Jackson Blotner and Kayden Pressley each scoring six points in the opening period. Williams would go on to lead all Polk scorers with 14 points.
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But foul trouble and Macon’s defensive adjustments changed the complexion of the game in the second period. The Panthers (10-3) outscored Polk 16-1 in the quarter to take a 23-22 halftime advantage.
“A tough loss last night. We were so close,” said Polk County head coach Brad Muse. “A great first quarter and a second that was quite the opposite. Fouls started adding up quickly in the first half and we weren’t able to adjust. One bad quarter was our doom.”
The teams played evenly through the third quarter, but Macon gradually pulled away in the final period to secure the victory.
RJ Simpson scored nine points for Polk County, while Blotner and Pressley finished with seven and six points respectively. Brennan Oates added two points to complete the Wolverines’ scoring.
