A depleted Polk County boys basketball team dropped a 77-59 decision Tuesday night to North Buncombe in non-conference action in Weaverville.
In girls play, Haley Higgins scored 25 points and Kelsi McHone added 17 as North Buncombe topped Polk County 80-52.
The Polk County boys dressed just eight players due to illness and injuries, yet still battled an undefeated North Buncombe squad before the Black Hawks pulled away down the stretch.
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“We stayed close most of the game, but just wore down in the end,” said Polk County head coach Josh McEntire.
Polk County (4-4) was led by Jaron Bontrager with 19 points and Anthony Carson with 13. Daniel Burchette led North Buncombe (8-0) with 25 points.
In girls play, the Black Hawks (3-3) built a 15-point halftime lead, 44-29, and continued to pull away in the second half in handing Polk (5-3) its second straight road loss. Hayley Kropp scored 20 points, Ashley Kropp had 11 and Savannah Ross had 10 for Polk County.
All Wolverines squads return home Thursday to face Mountain Heritage in Western Highlands Conference action, the team’s final game before the Christmas break.
BOYS
Polk County Scoring
Jaron Bontrager 19, Anthony Carson 13, Wes Mullis 9, Jordan Smith 6, Jamal Tanner 4, Jason Chupp 4, Tanner Garrett 2, Wes Brady 2
GIRLS
Polk County Scoring
Hayley Kropp 20, Ashley Kropp 11, Savannah Ross 10, Lyric Flood 9, Ashley Love 2
