On a record-setting night for Jamal Wheeler, Polk County moved itself firmly into the Western Highlands Conference playoff picture.
Wheeler scored a school-record 40 points, including 16 in overtime, as the Wolverines knocked off rival Hendersonville 91-78 in a WHC boys basketball battle in Hendersonville.
Wheeler’s overtime heroics helped save Polk County after the Wolverines (3-12, 3-3) lost a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter. But Polk outscored the Bearcats 21-8 in the extra period to secure the win.
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The victory lifts Polk County into a tie for third place in the WHC, joining 1A Mitchell at 3-3 and trailing second-place Mountain Heritage by a game. Hendersonville dropped to 10-7 overall, 2-4 in the WHC with the loss.
In breaking the record of 36 points set by Otis Miller in the 1992-1993 season, Wheeler also had seven rebounds, six steals, six assists and five blocks.
Jason Chupp added 15 points and 11 rebounds.
“The win was a complete team effort, with a lot of guys chipping in different ways,” said Polk County head coach Josh McEntire.
The Wolverines will return to action on Tuesday, visiting Madison in another important WHC game.
Polk County Scoring
Jamal Wheeler 40, Jason Chupp 15, Davis Derkach 10, Arnie Twitty 9, Jaylin Wilkins 6, Wes Mullis 6, Holden Owens 5
