West Wilkes brought an end to Polk County’s season Friday, pulling away in the second half to hand the Wolverines a 64-46 loss in the opening round of the state 2A playoffs in Millers Creek.
Tied 29-29 at the half, West Wilkes (13-11) held Polk County (7-18) to four points in the third quarter, building a 44-33 margin at the end of the third and going on to earn a second-round matchup with Parkwood.
Leading scorer Jamal Wheeler picked up his fourth foul early in the third period, which hampered Polk’s offensive efforts, according to head coach Josh McEntire.
Get PolkSports delivered to your inbox
Sign up for our free newsletter →
“We just couldn’t find any rhythm after that,” McEntire said. “Jamal could never get into the game because of foul trouble.”
Polk County had five 3-pointers in the first half, two each by Wheeler and Holden Owens, and led 23-15 early in the second period before the Blackhawks rallied to even the score at the half.
Jason Chupp and Arnie Twitty led the Wolverines, each with eight points.
Alex Greer scored 18 of his 26 points in the second half to lead West Wilkes, which also got 15 points from Zach Bell.
The Blackhawks were 26-of-28 at the foul line in the game.
Polk County Scoring
Jason Chupp 8, Arnie Twitty 8, Jamal Wheeler 7, Holden Owens 7, Dillion Overholt 7, Wes Mullis 4, Jaylan Wilkins 3, Davis Derkach 2
